Muslim migrants shelter in Tijuana...
The figure represents almost the whole world — the United Nations has 193 member states. The majority came from Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador and Haiti. Increasingly, migrants from the Middle East and North Africa also undertake the perilous route via South and Central America. For many, it includes a journey on foot through the dangerous Darien Gap, a dense jungle on the Colombia-Panama border replete with dangerous animals, criminals and human traffickers.
Yusseph Rahnali, a 31-year-old Algerian, told AFP he opted for the United States “because they accept everybody”. Europe is not an option, he said, because of
visa requirements. Instead, he flew visa-free to Ecuador before crossing seven other countries to Mexico where he awaits news on the US asylum process.
Migration is at the heart of the campaign for the US presidential election in November. Seeking re-election, incumbent Joe Biden signed a decree this month shutting down the border to asylum seekers after certain daily limits are reached. On Tuesday, in an attempt to balance the crackdown criticized by the left and human rights groups, he announced a new potential citizenship path for immigrants married to US nationals — which was in turn slammed by conservatives.
In Tijuana, 29-year-old Afghan journalist Fanah Ahmadi told AFP he traveled to Brazil on a humanitarian visa, then through “nine or ten other countries” to get to Mexico. “There are many difficulties on the way but I am still grateful that... today, I am here,” said Ahmadi of the Assabil Inn, where migrants receive food and shelter, “and we are near the border as well.” — AFP