Trump Victory Sparks Fear, Uncertainty for Migrants Seeking US Asylum

Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election has sent shockwaves through the global migrant community, raising anxieties about the future of their journeys to the United States, The Associated Press reports.

While Trump has pledged to reduce immigration, experts warn that his policies will only drive migrants towards dangerous and exploitative routes, fueling organized crime and leaving vulnerable populations with few options.

Trump’s campaign promises to restrict legal pathways to the US, end the CBP One program (which allows migrants to schedule appointments for asylum claims on their smartphones), and limit refugee resettlement have caused widespread worry among those seeking a new life in America.

“It wasn’t the plan,” lamented Estefanía Ramos, a 19-year-old Guatemalan mother seeking asylum in the US with her husband and newborn daughter. They’ve been waiting for three months for a CBP One appointment, a process that could now be significantly more difficult.

Barbara Rodríguez, a Venezuelan who fled her country after facing political persecution, is also facing a daunting reality. Her plan to seek asylum in the US now hinges on the unpredictable future of immigration policies.

The potential impact on vulnerable migrants extends beyond the US border. Trump’s promised mass deportations, while not a new threat, have sparked deep concern, especially for individuals from Cuba and Venezuela. Haiti, grappling with its own political and humanitarian crisis, has urged the US to halt deportations.

Mexico, home to an estimated 11 million undocumented Mexicans in the US, is facing the most significant fallout. Remittances from Mexicans living in the US amounted to over $63 billion last year. Mass deportations would not only cripple millions of families financially but also strain the Mexican economy, which is already struggling to absorb the influx of migrants.

Despite the anxiety and uncertainty, migrant advocates and shelter directors in Mexico are encouraging those seeking asylum to remain hopeful and continue their efforts through legal channels. However, they acknowledge the dire consequences of a more restrictive immigration system, which will only embolden organized crime and leave vulnerable populations with fewer options.