In December in bustling Mexico City, Angelica Delgado, a 23-year-old from Cuba, made a pivotal decision. Initially, her sights were set firmly on reaching the United States for asylum, but changing political tides forced a shift in her plans. The recent tightening of U.S. border policies, first under President Trump and continuing under President Biden, compelled many like Delgado to reconsider their futures. Originally, like many Cubans, we aimed for the U.S., not Mexico. But those plans have changed, Delgado admits as she now turns her hopes towards Mexico.
The U.S. has seen a significant clampdown on asylum pathways, prompting a rising number of migrants to seek refuge in Mexico instead. Data suggests a significant surge in asylum applications in Mexico, more than tripling in January this year compared to the previous monthly average. These figures underline a growing trend of migrants adjusting their long-held dreams of reaching the U.S. and focusing on new opportunities in Mexico.
Asylum seekers in Mexico City are diverse, with individuals from countries like Venezuela, Haiti, Afghanistan, and beyond gathering outside the Mexican refugee agency. The influx is partly influenced by executive orders established by Trump that have attempted to minimize asylum opportunities and secure the border. The effects were immediate; many, including Delgado, who had U.S. asylum appointments via the now-defunct CBP One app, found themselves stranded, facing a future far from their original aspirations.
This shift in aspirations was evident in the commentary from those present. One Haitian friend’s sentiment resonated with many: “Now, it’s the Mexican dream,” voicing a newfound hope to build a life in Mexico. Despite Mexico's burgeoning role as a refuge, it faces significant challenges. Asylum applications have skyrocketed, from a mere 1,295 in 2013 to 140,982 in 2023. Though there was a temporary dip in 2024 to 78,975, now the demand is increasing once again, and capacity remains a pressing issue, as Mexico can only process a limited number of applications daily.
Delgado, a trained architect, alongside her partner who is a doctor, faces the tough reality that their professional qualifications from Cuba are not recognized in Mexico. For now, she earns a living by washing dishes. It's a difficult transition, but Delgado remains hopeful, noting the perils of returning to Cuba. Crossing into the U.S. illegally is not an option, she states firmly, citing fears of deportation and being returned to Cuba.
Mexico's welcoming stance towards refugees has been longstanding. However, the country’s ability to cope with the rising demand has been under scrutiny. In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum has made significant investments to strengthen agencies responsible for handling these increased asylum requests.
For Venezuelans like Harry Luzardo, life in Mexico serves as a beacon of hope. After leaving Venezuela amid political and economic turmoil, he faced numerous hardships in South American countries like Chile, which have grown increasingly resistant to migrants due to their own internal crises. There was no support for migrants in Chile, Luzardo shares, as he waits patiently to submit his asylum request in Mexico. Despite the difficulties, Luzardo remains optimistic, even as he acknowledges his preference for life in the U.S. remains. Nevertheless, he is resolved to build a meaningful life in Mexico.
As Mexico emerges as a prominent refuge for many displaced individuals, the country finds itself balancing its humanitarian commitments with logistical challenges. While it may not have been the initial destination for many asylum seekers, Mexico presents a viable and hopeful path forward as they strive for stability and security.
