Surge in Irregular Migration Amid Decrease in Asylum Applications in Mexico
In 2024, asylum applications in Mexico dropped by 44% to 78,975, primarily from Honduras, Cuba, and Haiti. Despite fewer requests, irregular migration surged to unprecedented levels, with over 925,000 migrants detected in this status within eight months. Activists highlight that long processing times contribute to a sense of urgency among migrants to reach the U.S. prior to possible changes in immigration policies under a new administration.
In 2024, Mexico witnessed a significant decrease in asylum applications, with a total of 78,975 recorded, reflecting a 44% decline from the previous year’s unprecedented figure of 140,720. According to the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR), the majority of asylum seekers hailed from Honduras, Cuba, and Haiti, with Haiti contributing 10,853 applications. However, COMAR assessed only 33,844 applications, approving 74% of them. Despite this drop in asylum requests, irregular migration has surged dramatically, with over 925,000 individuals detected in a status of irregularity between January and August 2024, marking a staggering increase of nearly 132%.
The southern border of Mexico remains under strain, particularly in Tapachula, where a substantial concentration of migrants, approximately 50,742, resides. Hector Martínez Estrada, an activist with the Collective of Human Rights Defenders on the Southern Border, indicated that the decline in asylum applications does not necessarily signify reduced migration but rather reflects prolonged waiting times that deter migrants from applying. This urgency to migrate to the United States is amplified by upcoming changes in immigration policy under the anticipated administration of Donald Trump, particularly concerning the termination of the “lCBP One” application intended for managing appointments.
Despite the decline in asylum requests, there have been no substantial improvements in the processing speed by authorities, leaving many migrants in prolonged limbo. These individuals grapple with difficult choices regarding whether to remain in Mexico or migrate onward, while the Mexican government has committed to offering assistance to those wishing to stay, albeit withholding asylum from those primarily seeking exit to the U.S.
The article discusses the trends in irregular migration and asylum claims in Mexico, highlighting significant fluctuations in applications and the challenges faced by migrants. It situates this issue within the broader context of changing political landscapes, specifically noting the impact of U.S. immigration policies on Mexican migration patterns. The information stems from data collected by COMAR along with insights from human rights activists who advocate for the rights of migrants at the border.
In summary, while Mexico has seen a decline in official asylum applications in 2024, irregular migration has escalated to historic levels, stressing the southern border’s resources. Lengthy processing times and imminent changes in U.S. immigration policy have exacerbated the urgency felt by migrants, prompting many to bypass official channels in hopes of reaching the United States. The contradiction between government promises of assistance and the reality of asylum processing calls for a reevaluation of how these issues are managed in Mexico.
Original Source: www.haitilibre.com
