Approximately 7,000 migrants, including a significant number of children, have embarked on a challenging journey from southern Mexico toward the United States border. Their arduous trek commenced on December 24, starting in the city of Tapachula. These individuals are united by a shared banner that declares, «Exodus from poverty.»
The migrants come from diverse backgrounds, representing countries such as Cuba, Haiti, Honduras, Bangladesh, and India. Their decision to join this march arises from the frustration of waiting for months to obtain transit permits, which are essential for their onward journey.
Expressing their discontent, the migrants highlight the lengthy processing times for refugee or exit visas at Mexico’s primary migrant processing center in Tapachula. Situated near the Guatemalan border, this center often leaves people waiting for weeks or even months without the ability to work.
Many of these migrants find themselves living on the streets in challenging conditions within Tapachula. Their lack of resources prevents them from affording food and lodging while they wait.
In both the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years, over two million individuals were apprehended at the US southern border. Notably, in September 2023 alone, the US Border Patrol apprehended more than 200,000 migrants who were crossing the US-Mexico border unlawfully. These figures, based on US Homeland Security data, highlight the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in managing border security.
