Migrants Await Asylum in Mexico City Camps

Eliezer López, a 20-year-old Venezuelan migrant, celebrated securing a U.S. asylum appointment through the CBP One app, amidst a backdrop of thousands of migrants now living in makeshift camps in Mexico City due to tightened U.S. asylum policies. Since June, these policies have forced many migrants to wait longer in the capital, which has transitioned from a transit point to a temporary destination, as they seek safer alternatives to the perilous northern border. The camps are characterized by overcrowded conditions, poor sanitation, and limited resources, leading to rising tensions among residents. Some camps have been dismantled by immigration authorities, while others remain as migrants face the dual challenges of waiting for appointments and navigating the complexities of their environment. López's joy highlights the struggles and hopes of many who endure prolonged uncertainty in these makeshift living situations.