Ecuadorians flee to Mexico in search of asylum in the US

by times news cr

In the colony Countess of the Mexico City, Anthony Veloz He starts his work day every day at 2 p.m. in a small cafe. His story reflects the realities faced by thousands of migrants of various nationalities in Mexico.

According to the National Institute of Migrationalmost 137 thousand Ecuadorians entered the country so far this year. Many, like Anthonyremain in the capital, unable to return to their country or cross over USA due to immigration restrictions.

Originally from Machala, known as the “Banana Capital of the World”, the migrant recalls that in his hometown there was plenty of work. However, stability deteriorated in the face of the growing problem of crime. Extortion, manifested in “vaccines,” escalated to unsustainable levels.

In October last year, the young man made the difficult decision to emigrate. Selling his car and leaving was his only option. “The main reason we left Ecuador was insecurity,” said the 23-year-old.

With the choice of Daniel Noboa, Security has become a national priority, but “it will be a long time before there is a change,” given that “drug trafficking has a lot of power,” he said.

Mexico presented itself as her destination, following the advice of a compatriot in North Dakota who suggested she wait there while she processed an appointment through the program. CBP One, which offers a “safer” route to enter the US.

However, the journey in Mexico was arduous, marked by the dangers of travelling with the help of intermediaries. “From Tapachula it was hell because of the robberies and mistreatment. In Oaxaca things have already improved,” he said.

Despite the adversities, his dream remains intact: to reach USA to offer his wife and daughter a better life, a desire that he shares with almost half a million Ecuadorians who already reside in that country.

2024-08-29 09:36:28

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