A caravan of hundreds of migrants set off on Tuesday from the city of Tapachula, located on Mexico's southern border, after failing to resolve their immigration status. Despite a recent meeting between the presidents of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and Guatemala, Bernardo Arévalo, the migrants insist that the situation at this border area is unsustainable, prompting them to begin their journey to Mexico City, according to EFE news agency.
The group is primarily composed of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Central America, Brazil, and Colombia. They started walking from Tapachula, equipped with strollers and backpacks, as reported. Alexander, a Cuban migrant, explained that they are walking because they are not allowed to board buses to reach Mexico City, where they hope to secure CBP One appointments to cross into the United States.
Authorities have advised the group to walk slowly and to stay on the right side of the road. Some migrants joined the caravan at the Viva México ejido, about seven kilometers from Tapachula, frustrated by the wait and dissatisfied with the service provided by the National Institute of Migration (INM).
Mexico is experiencing a record level of migratory flow at its southern border. In 2023, there was a 77% increase in irregular migrants, and in the first quarter of 2024, the number grew by nearly 200%, reaching almost 360,000 people. A new contingent is expected to gather in Tecún Umán, Guatemala, on May 31 to continue their journey north.
Amid this bottleneck, which threatens to create a new humanitarian crisis in southern Mexico, the United States acknowledged on Wednesday that the CBP One app system for migrants to schedule asylum appointments has experienced technical issues, leaving thousands of people stranded in Mexico for more than seven months.
Migrant Caravan from Mexico to the U.S.: Key Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions about the ongoing migrant caravan from Mexico to the United States, focusing on the issues faced by the migrants and the challenges with the CBP One app.
What is the primary reason for the migrant caravan from Tapachula?
The primary reason for the migrant caravan from Tapachula is the failure to resolve immigration status and the unsustainable conditions at the southern border, prompting migrants to head to Mexico City for better opportunities.
Who are the main groups participating in the caravan?
The main groups participating in the caravan include migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Central America, Brazil, and Colombia.
What challenges are migrants facing with the CBP One app?
Migrants are facing significant challenges with the CBP One app, including technical issues that have left thousands stranded in Mexico for over seven months as they try to schedule asylum appointments.