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Cubans Overwhelm Asylum Offices in Southern Mexico Following Trump's New Policies

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 by Alex Smith

Southern Mexico's asylum offices are currently facing an overwhelming surge of Cuban migrants and others from various nationalities, as reported by local media sources. This influx is largely attributed to the recent immigration measures introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump, which have tightened entry for migrants through the Mexican border.

In Tapachula, Chiapas, hundreds of migrants, predominantly from Venezuela, Cuba, and Central American countries, gathered outside the offices of the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (Comar) last Monday. The processing delays have sparked anxiety among the migrants, who fear deportation or failing to meet the required criteria.

Jaqueline Alfonso, a Cuban who has been awaiting her asylum appointment for months, remarked, "We have to wait. Personally, I came here not intending to go to the United States. I came to stay in Mexico, to complete my paperwork because my intentions are here, not elsewhere. That's why the delays frustrate me so much because I want to build a life here."

The situation has led many migrants to consider alternatives, such as seeking asylum in Mexico. However, the overcrowding of asylum offices and uncertainty surrounding U.S. immigration policies complicate their decisions.

One of the most notable actions following Trump's entrance to the White House was the termination of the CBP One mobile application, which allowed migrants to schedule asylum appointments in the United States. On January 20, 2025, the new administration deactivated this tool, leaving thousands of applicants without a clear legal pathway into the country.

Upon accessing the application, users encountered the following message: "As of January 20, 2025, the CBP One functions that formerly allowed undocumented migrants to submit information in advance and schedule appointments at eight Southwest border ports of entry are no longer available, and existing appointments have been canceled."

This development prompted Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, to declare that her government would begin repatriating migrants stranded in Mexican territory due to the new U.S. restrictions. Sheinbaum explained that agreements have been established with several Central American nations, as well as Cuba, to facilitate the return of these migrants to their home countries. Additionally, she emphasized that Mexico will provide "humanitarian assistance" to those who cannot proceed with their journey to the United States due to the recent immigration constraints.

Understanding the Impact of U.S. Immigration Policies on Cuban Migrants

Why are asylum offices in southern Mexico overwhelmed by migrants?

The asylum offices are overwhelmed due to a significant increase in the number of migrants from Cuba and other countries following new U.S. immigration policies that limit entry through Mexico.

What led to the cancellation of the CBP One app?

The CBP One app was canceled as part of the new immigration measures implemented by the Trump administration, which aimed to restrict undocumented migrants from scheduling asylum appointments at U.S. border ports.

How is Mexico responding to the migrant crisis at its border?

Mexico is responding by planning the repatriation of stranded migrants and offering humanitarian aid to those unable to continue their journey to the United States.

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