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Stranded Cuban Mother in Mexico Seeks Reunion with Family in the U.S.

Wednesday, January 29, 2025 by Christopher Ramirez

Daelmis Nodarse, a Cuban mother, finds herself stranded in Mexico with her three young daughters, anxiously waiting for a chance to reunite with her husband in the United States. Like thousands of migrants, her scheduled meeting with CBP One was canceled following the introduction of new policies by the Trump administration, leaving her in a state of immigration limbo.

"I feel disheartened because I came here with the hope that, thanks to the appointment (with CBP One), I could reunite my family after five long years," Nodarse shared in an interview with Univision. Her husband, who resides in Miami and is a political activist with an I-220A, shares in the family's frustration from afar but insists they must adhere to legal pathways.

"I am desperate, I have a huge desire to have them here with me again, but it must be done legally, it must be done the right way," he affirmed.

For the past five months, Nodarse and her daughters have been staying in Tapachula, a city in southern Mexico that has become a forced refuge for thousands of migrants attempting to cross into the United States through legal channels. With no clear plan to move forward, their situation remains uncertain.

The Migrant Crisis at the Border

The plight of this family highlights the predicament of thousands of Cubans and other nationalities trapped at the Mexico-U.S. border, awaiting their CBP One appointments when new immigration restrictions took effect. Despite these measures, a new caravan of migrants, primarily Cubans and Venezuelans, departed from Tapachula towards the northern border this Sunday. The desperation to find a solution has driven many to take risks, while others choose to wait for a legal resolution.

Legal Advice Against Illegal Crossing

Immigration attorney José Guerrero cautioned in the same media outlet that those attempting to cross illegally will face swift detention and deportation back to Mexico. "What we are recommending right now is that they should wait, they should not cross the border illegally because they will be detained and swiftly deported back to Mexico," he explained.

Regarding the duration of this border crisis, the attorney mentioned there is no estimated timeline for resolution. "As an emergency has been declared at the border, it could take possibly a few months, but patience is required because if you enter and are deported, you will face a five-year penalty," Guerrero noted.

Mexico: An Unstable Refuge for Migrants

Meanwhile, in Mexico, the situation is becoming more complicated for those seeking to stay legally. Some migrants have chosen to remain in Mexico and obtain residency documents, but the process is slow, and access to job opportunities is limited.

"I came to stay in Mexico, to do my paperwork here in Mexico, because my intention is to stay in Mexico, not to go anywhere else, and that's why I'm so frustrated that my paperwork has been delayed, because I want to work, to build a life here," declared a Cuban woman in a similar situation.

In Tapachula, the crisis has overwhelmed the capacity of the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance, causing thousands of migrants to wait months for a response regarding their status. This situation has led to disturbances on several occasions, prompting the Armed Forces to intervene to prevent conflicts.

Faced with the collapse of shelters and the growing pressure at the border, the Mexican government has begun to create and expand shelters to receive migrants deported from the United States. However, uncertainty remains a constant for thousands, like Daelmis and her daughters, who continue to be trapped in the wait for an opportunity to reunite with their loved ones.

Understanding the Cuban Migrant Crisis

Why was Daelmis Nodarse's appointment with CBP One canceled?

Her appointment was canceled due to new immigration policies implemented by the Trump administration.

What is the current situation for migrants in Tapachula, Mexico?

Tapachula has become a refuge for many migrants who are waiting for legal entry into the United States, but they face uncertainty and delays in the process.

What advice are immigration lawyers giving to migrants?

Lawyers are advising migrants to avoid crossing the border illegally, as it can result in immediate detention and deportation back to Mexico.

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