Ciudad Juárez (Mexico), Nov 3 (EFE).- As the presidential elections in the United States approach, Mexico’s northern border is experiencing tensions and diverse reactions from migrants, authorities and local communities, given the uncertainty over changes in immigration policies that the new administration may establish.
According to Pastor Francisco González, director of the Vida shelter, in the border city of Ciudad Juárez, the November 5 elections have generated uncertainty and expectations among those seeking to cross into US territory.
“Now, there is more concern because I really mean, they had a little hope that it would not be like that. But right now, because of the speech, this really gives them little chance of actually being able to have legal status in the United States,” said González.
According to sources from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the flow of migrants towards the northern border continues to increase due to factors such as violence, poverty and natural disasters in the countries of origin.
Likewise, the possible tightening of immigration policies after the elections in the United States next week, where Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris face each other, has increased uncertainty among migrants.
Trump has promised that, if he wins the presidency, he will tear down the humanitarian parole program (implemented by the current administration to benefit Cubans, Nicaraguans, Haitians and Venezuelans) as well as the CBP One application to request asylum.
In Ciudad Juárez, the migrants who are waiting for their CBP One appointment are those who live with the most uncertainty, given the possible political changes in the neighboring country.
Josie Ver, a migrant from Venezuela, expressed her “concern,” “hopelessness” and “doubt” because they do not know what will happen with the immigration decisions of the new US administration and see their hope of reaching the United States threatened.
“We came here with a purpose, and well, hoping we can fulfill it, and well, that we can get the appointment before the elections, which is the purpose of each of us who came here, but if not, trust in God , and we will see who wins to see what is really going to happen,” he said.
The reactions have also extended to local migrants, who live in constant contact with the migratory flow.
Mercedes Guadalupe Girón, originally from the state of Chiapas and who has been migrating to the United States, told EFE of the fear that former President Donald Trump (2017-2021) will return to power and take away the opportunity to request political asylum.
“We here are in the process of the CBP One appointment. But we also have the fear that if he wins, he will remove it.
Because if you notice, I mean, people are coming in for the appointment. And if he removes it, then that’s where the benefit ends. We would no longer have the option of entering the United States,” said Mercedes.
With the vote counting in the United States just a few days away, the atmosphere on the border continues to be marked by anxiety and hope, with thousands of people awaiting the results and the uncertain future they may bring.
Ciudad Juárez has become a nerve center for migrants seeking to cross into the United States, especially after the reactivation of policies that make access to the neighboring country difficult.
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**Interview with Pastor Francisco González, Director of the Vida Shelter in Ciudad Juárez**
*Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Pastor González. As the U.S. presidential elections approach, what are some of the key concerns you are seeing from migrants at your shelter?*
**Pastor González:** Thank you for having me. The main concern right now is the uncertainty surrounding U.S. immigration policies. Many migrants had some hope that the current policies would remain in place or even improve. However, the election speeches are creating a sense of anxiety among those who are desperate to cross into the United States for safety and opportunity.
*Interviewer: You mentioned that there was some hope among migrants before this election cycle. How has the rhetoric changed, and what impact is that having?*
**Pastor González:** Yes, prior to this election season, there was a belief that things might stabilize or even become more favorable. However, candidates like Donald Trump are promising significant changes – such as dismantling the humanitarian parole program and the CBP One application for asylum seekers. This has led many to believe their chances for legal status in the U.S. are dwindling, and that’s deeply disheartening for them.
*Interviewer: Can you share some specific examples of how this uncertainty is affecting the migrants?*
**Pastor González:** Certainly. For instance, many migrants are nervously waiting for their CBP One appointments, with the looming election presenting an added layer of anxiety. Josie Ver, a Venezuelan migrant at our shelter, voiced her feelings of hopelessness and concern about the future. They came here with a purpose, but now they feel their hopes are hanging by a thread.
*Interviewer: You mentioned that migration to the border is still increasing due to violence, poverty, and natural disasters. How are these factors intertwining with the political climate in the U.S.?*
**Pastor González:** Absolutely. While the political situation is daunting, many migrants are being pushed out of their home countries due to dire conditions. Violence, economic instability, and environmental disasters leave them with few options. Now, with the uncertainty of whether they’ll even be able to find refuge in the U.S., it’s a complex and painful situation.
*Interviewer: What message do you have for those who are following these events from afar?*
**Pastor González:** I urge people to recognize the humanity of those coming to our borders. They are not just statistics; they are individuals seeking safety and a chance at life. It’s vital that we, as a community and as a nation, advocate for compassionate policies that respect their dignity and rights, regardless of the political environment.
*Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Pastor González. We appreciate your dedication to helping those in need during such uncertain times.*
**Pastor González:** Thank you for the opportunity to share our experiences and concerns.
