Title: Migrants at Mexican Border Shelter Struggle with Uncertainty Amid U.S. Asylum Ban
On a hot and humid morning in the Mexican border city of Reynosa, the atmosphere at the Senda de Vida shelter was filled with uncertainty as hundreds of migrants wondered when they would be able to cross into the United States.
Following President Biden’s executive order that effectively closed the U.S. border for nearly all asylum seekers, at least 1,100 men, women, and children found themselves in limbo at the shelter. Many of them, hailing from Central America and Venezuela, had hopes of reaching the United States but now faced the reality of being turned away.
The impact of the new rule was already being felt, with the number of migrants massing at the border showing signs of stabilizing compared to previous years. However, for those like Reison Daniel Peñuela from Venezuela, who felt stuck knowing his family was relying on him to reach the U.S., the closure of the border brought about feelings of despondency.
While some migrants, like Nuvia Baires from El Salvador, found relief in being granted an asylum interview through the CBP One app, others like Cintia Patricia Media from Honduras expressed frustration at being so close to their destination yet being denied entry.
The situation was similar in McAllen, Texas, where a respite center run by Catholic Charities saw a significant decrease in new arrivals. Sister Norma Pimentel noted the impact of the executive order on the number of people seeking aid, expecting it to remain low as long as the new rule was in effect.
As migrants in Ciudad Juárez also grappled with the uncertainty of the border closure, Pastor Juan Fierro García observed an increase in migrants trying to secure CBP One appointments rather than risking deportation. Despite the challenges, migrants like Karen Piamo from Venezuela remained determined to find a way to reach the U.S., highlighting the desperation and resilience of those seeking asylum.
