The pre-election fear-mongering about the #CaravanaMigrante may be over, but there are still thousands seeking asylum in the US.
They all have the right to a fair hearing, so we’re in Mexico hearing stories & cases. Protection from violence is a right, & we will defend it.
They all have the right to a fair hearing, so we’re in Mexico hearing stories & cases. Protection from violence is a right, & we will defend it.
Much of the caravan is in Mexico City, where a stadium complex is now home to thousands. Families are living in large tents, getting three meals a day, vaccinations, clothes, haircuts, “know your rights” trainings, etc. Kids are entertained by aid workers dressed as clowns.
People drop off supplies all day long, some Mexico City residents have even set up a tortilla station, cooking for those in the stadium. “They’re all our brothers,” said one woman kneading dough. They’re helping, she said, b/c “we could be in their spot at any time.”
Many say they’re thankful for the help of Mexico & its citizens, like Jessica, who’s traveling from Honduras with her 9 & 14 y/o daughters &, like others, decided to join after hearing about the caravan on TV.
“I came from my country b/c my country has no jobs, nothing.”
“I came from my country b/c my country has no jobs, nothing.”
She also had a message for Trump: “We heard the border is militarized. We’re not criminals bringing guns. We’re not bringing anything we can defend ourselves with. We’re just a tired people that’s moving slowly, asking for help.”
Francis also came from Honduras with his wife & cousin, fleeing gang persecution.
“We want new opportunities, because in our country we can’t live, we can’t work. Everyday, there’s death in Honduras. You cannot live in Honduras.”
The refrain is common: unemployment & violence.
“We want new opportunities, because in our country we can’t live, we can’t work. Everyday, there’s death in Honduras. You cannot live in Honduras.”
The refrain is common: unemployment & violence.
Others face the same, like Heidi, who didn't wish to use her face. Her 19 y/o daughter was threatened by drug dealers seeking a mule. She fled, but had never thought of going to US before her daughter’s life was endangered.
“No one wants to leave their country, no one.”
“No one wants to leave their country, no one.”
Brenda, who also didn’t want her face used, has two children (11 & 13 y/o) traveling w/her.
Both are US citizens.
She lived in NY before their dad was deported. In Guatemala, he became abusive, & they fled, but w/out documentation of the abuse, it'll be hard to get asylum.
Both are US citizens.
She lived in NY before their dad was deported. In Guatemala, he became abusive, & they fled, but w/out documentation of the abuse, it'll be hard to get asylum.
The caravan is filled w/such stories: Clear persecution, violence, & desperation, but little clarity on the process & their rights.
Still, many want to go to the US, weeks & many hundreds of miles away.
They have a right to do so, & we'll be there to tell them of their rights.
Still, many want to go to the US, weeks & many hundreds of miles away.
They have a right to do so, & we'll be there to tell them of their rights.
