There is no doubt that it is a scary time to be an immigrant from Latin America today in the United States. Recent news reports of a crackdown on Honduran emigres who are currently in a caravan heading for Mexico’s northern border offer no encouragement to those fleeing violence and oppression in their homelands.
Pressure from the U.S. president has led to Mexico sending their own troops to seal off their southern borders. This week, two planeloads of riot gear-wearing Mexican federal agents arrived in Tapachula, which borders Guatemala. The city has become a major spot to cross over into Mexico and head north to the US.
The White House administration announced that any immigrants found crossing the border “in an irregular manner” will be intercepted and likely returned to their countries of origin. Refugees from threats and violence in their homelands must first request refugee status in Mexico. They must then spend as many as 45 days in the immigrant detention centers.
Mexican government officials seem eager to appease the American president in order to keep on reaping financial rewards from the United States.
One political analyst commented that “They are clearly responding to Trump’s outbursts.” He added that he believed that “Mexico has outsourced its decisions about our southern border to the U.S.”
Under the current political climate, it is more vital than ever that those who intend to migrate to the United States understand their rights and responsibilities under the law. Immigration laws are continuing to evolve, so it’s important to work closely with your San Diego immigration attorney to keep you and your family members legally within the U.S. borders.
