Ongoing Border Crisis
By: Isabella Bautista
Two weeks ago, Tijuana experienced one of its first fall rains as I drove over the river’s bridge. I looked out my window to take in the sight of a country that I adore, but was dismayed by what I saw. Dozens of families huddled together under what ranged from sleeping bags to foil blankets, atop the cold and wet concrete. A river that once harbored water now replaced by people.
The border crisis is nothing new in America, but it has picked up gravity in the past 2 years. In fact, in 2019, current President Donald Trump established a policy that limited Central American migrants’ ability to seek asylum in the United States. This fairly recent legislation was created in response to the 2018 caravan. The caravan departed from Honduras on October 12, 2018, accommodating approximately 160 migrants. |
As it gained traction, asylum-seekers from El Salvador and Guatemala began to join the caravan, forming a new total of more than 7,000 people. These three groups all had one thing in common: they were fleeing the impoverished and crime-ridden streets, infested with gangs, in their home countries.
Fixated on survival, they continued their month-long journey to the U.S.-Mexico Border. Upon arrival, they were greeted by over 5,800 armed U.S. troops and new policies hindering legal immigration into the United States. Those who lost hope returned to their home countries. Some stayed in Mexico, welcomed by Mexico’s president, Enrique Pena Nieto, who offered employment given they comply with Mexican Laws. Others stayed in Tijuana, still with hopes of getting admitted into the U.S.. |
