A group of Cuban migrants in Tapachula, located in southern Mexico, has begun organizing a new caravan aimed at moving towards the country's central regions. This decision comes after enduring months of waiting for asylum resolutions from the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (Comar), amidst allegations of corruption, xenophobia, and dire living conditions.
The tentative departure is scheduled for October 1, as communicated by the migrants themselves via WhatsApp groups and social media, where they have initiated calls and preliminary agreements to march in an organized manner, according to reports by the local Diario de Chiapas.
The Cubans express that the situation in Tapachula is untenable, citing the lack of formal employment, high rent prices, limited food supplies, and experiences of discriminatory treatment. Additionally, the slow pace of immigration processes and the frequent rejections of refugee applications exacerbate their plight.
"We are determined to leave Tapachula because living here is impossible due to widespread xenophobia, lack of jobs, and the exploitative conditions of work offered, where we earn just 150 pesos for 12-hour shifts," stated Brian Balcón, a Cuban migrant involved in organizing the caravan.
Many migrants report waiting up to eight months or even a year for a decision from Comar. They claim that even those with clear evidence of political persecution or death threats face unjustified rejections. Under the leadership of Carmen Yadira de los Santos, the current head of the local Comar office, corruption has reportedly worsened. "Only those who can pay are attended to quickly and granted refuge," commented one organizer.
The caravan’s immediate goal is not to reach the United States, but rather to relocate to cities like Mexico City or Monterrey, where they hope to find better job opportunities and more dignified living conditions.
Preparations include open assemblies at the Bicentennial Park, a common gathering spot for migrant caravans in Tapachula. From there, they plan to coordinate their departure and the logistics for their collective movement.
Tapachula has become a bottleneck for migrants, with thousands stranded while awaiting processing, in conditions that have drawn criticism from national and international human rights organizations.
Challenges Facing Cuban Migrants in Tapachula
Why are Cuban migrants organizing a caravan from Tapachula?
Cuban migrants are organizing a caravan due to unsustainable living conditions in Tapachula, including lack of employment, high rent, limited food, and discrimination, coupled with slow asylum processing times.
What are the migrants' main grievances against Comar?
Migrants complain about the prolonged waiting times for asylum decisions, unjust rejections even for those with valid claims, and corruption under the current management of Comar.
What are the intended destinations for the caravan?
The caravan aims to reach cities like Mexico City and Monterrey, where migrants hope to find improved employment prospects and living conditions.