US Expands Asylum Appointments in Mexico

As of Friday, migrants in Mexico's southernmost states bordering Guatemala can now apply for asylum appointments through the CBP One app. This expansion comes as part of Mexico's efforts to alleviate the pressure on migrants who often feel compelled to travel north to Mexico City. By allowing migrants to wait for their appointments in the south, authorities hope to reduce the risks of encountering organized crime or being detained by immigration officials. The CBP One app has been a significant tool in managing the increasing demand for U.S. asylum, reflecting the critical nature of immigration in U.S.-Mexico relations. While Mexico's National Immigration Institute theoretically permits migrants with appointments to travel freely to the U.S. border, reports indicate that some migrants are still detained and sent back south, complicating their journey. In southern Mexico, migrants face the dual challenges of violence and the threat of criminal exploitation. Many are now weighing their options in places like Ciudad Hidalgo, where they must decide whether to wait for job opportunities or continue their journey northward. Venezuelan migrant Yuleidi Banqué expressed her concerns about the risks involved, particularly for her young daughter, stating that they would wait for an appointment but were also considering their financial needs. The situation underscores the precarious balance migrants must navigate as they seek safety and stability while contending with the realities of their journey through a region marked by both opportunity and danger.