Every day, the U.S. government buses drop off numerous families with young children in Nogales, Arizona, only to have them routinely walked back to Mexico.
President Joe Biden’s new asylum policy is responsible for the surge in deportations.
Asylum seekers who enter the United States unlawfully are now being promptly returned to Mexico under the new policy.
Since the implementation of the policy in early June, there has been a 25% decrease in apprehensions, according to a spokesperson from Arizona Customs and Border Patrol.
As one walks down the streets of Nogales, Arizona, a heart-wrenching human tale unfolds. Numerous individuals can be seen shedding tears as they come to the realization that their American dreams have come to an abrupt end.
All of their possessions are contained within plastic bags. Upon being arrested by border guards, their shoelaces were confiscated, as they are considered a potential weapon while in custody. As a result, they proceed to tie their shoes once again.
Everyone is currently brainstorming their next move.
Sitting on a bench with her daughter, Corina, a migrant woman, expressed, “We have finally arrived here. I am contemplating whether to take the discounted bus or stay in a shelter.”
According to border volunteers based in Tucson, deportation is not a new occurrence. However, they point out that the recent removals, which do not offer any opportunity for an asylum hearing, represent a significant shift in U.S. policy.
Volunteer Carolina Pena expressed that the individuals seeking asylum have a genuine fear, and it is unjust that they are not provided with the chance to validate it. “There’s credible fear,” she stated. “These people have credible fear and they’re not given an opportunity to prove that, and that to me is cruel.”
During an interview with Scripps News Tucson, Graciela, a migrant mother, shared the deportation papers she had signed. The documents state that if she re-enters America, she could face up to eight years in prison.
As more and more people face deportation, there has been a noticeable uptick in the number of individuals seeking assistance from shelters. These individuals are in dire need of help and support, and it is imperative that we address their needs and provide them with the resources they require. Despite the challenges they face, these individuals remain resilient and hopeful, and it is our duty to stand by them and offer our support in any way possible.
Sister Lika Macias runs a migrant shelter located near the port and provides a warm bed and a haircut to people from various parts of the world.
As she spoke, she expressed how their work is all about restoring the dignity of those they serve. With a compassionate tone, she emphasized that they strive to instill hope in their clients, assuring them that things will eventually get better.
Macias is establishing a safe haven for individuals who have been patiently anticipating their asylum appointments for several months.
Rudy, a migrant, expressed that the process of reaching the U.S. from Mexico is quite complicated. He revealed that he has attempted to make this journey twice before. “This is my second time in Mexico trying to get to the U.S.,” he shared.
Several legal challenges have been filed against the executive order. However, the resolution of these challenges may take months or even years.
