A group of migrants, predominantly Cuban, is preparing to leave Tapachula for Mexico City in the coming days. Despite the operations conducted by the National Institute of Migration (INM) around the Bicentennial Park in the center of this Chiapas city, the migrants remain resolute in their decision, as reported by Diario del Sur. This local publication highlights that the Cuban migrants, planning to depart on October 1st, are seeking legal status in Mexico to work and send money back to the island.
"I'm not afraid of anything; I lost that fear along the way, and whatever comes, we'll face it. We're moving toward success, moving forward, heading to Mexico City," stated Daniel González, a Cuban planning to join the caravan. González has been in Tapachula for a year and a half, attempting to regularize his situation.
The Struggles of Legalization
González recounted his experience: "I went through the process the first time at Comar, and I was denied. I tried again and was denied two months ago. I approached Migration to inquire about obtaining a humanitarian visa, and they told me they weren't issuing them. However, if you pay a lawyer at Comar, magically, the permit appears," he lamented. He has been in Tapachula for 16 months, trying unsuccessfully to legalize his immigration status, and is determined to join the caravan on October 1st despite the risks.
Similarly, Diario del Sur interviewed Lidia Álvarez, another Cuban, who cited a lack of opportunities and discrimination from some locals as reasons for joining the caravan. "Here, we have no hope at all. Lawyers charge between 10,000 to 15,000 pesos, and we barely earn 200 pesos a day. It’s impossible to afford the paperwork. We just want a chance to legalize our status," Álvarez explained.
Facing Discrimination and Hardships
Álvarez reported the discrimination faced by the Cuban community in Tapachula. She stated that she and her companions had already endured too much exploitation, repression, and abuse in Cuba, and here, they only seek dignity. They do not want handouts, just the opportunity to move forward as human beings. Despite the crackdowns, she sees no other option.
With the departure tentatively set for October 1st, after months of waiting for asylum resolution from the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (Comar), and amidst allegations of corruption, xenophobia, and precarious conditions, Cubans have opted for this drastic measure. According to Diario de Chiapas, the group has communicated their plans via WhatsApp and social media, where they have initiated coordination for an organized march.
In Search of a Better Life
The migrants assert that conditions in Tapachula are untenable: formal employment is scarce, rents are high, food is limited, and many face discriminatory treatment. This is compounded by the slow pace of immigration processes and the systematic rejection of asylum requests. "We are determined to leave Tapachula; it is unlivable due to widespread xenophobia, the lack of jobs, and the long hours for low pay," declared Brian Balcón, a Cuban migrant involved in organizing the caravan.
Those affected report waiting up to eight months or a year for a response from Comar, even when presenting evidence of political persecution or death threats. They also claim that under the leadership of Carmen Yadira de los Santos, the current head of the local Comar office, corruption has worsened. "Only those with money receive prompt attention and refuge," commented one organizer.
The caravan's immediate goal is not to reach the United States but 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 in Bicentennial Park, a common meeting point for migrant caravans in Tapachula. From there, they plan to coordinate their departure and logistics for the collective movement.
Tapachula has become a migration bottleneck, with thousands stranded awaiting processing in conditions criticized by national and international human rights organizations.
FAQs About the Cuban Migrant Caravan
Why are Cuban migrants leaving Tapachula?
Cuban migrants are leaving Tapachula due to untenable living conditions, including lack of employment, high rents, limited food, and discrimination. They seek better opportunities and more dignified living conditions in larger Mexican cities.
What challenges do Cuban migrants face in Tapachula?
Cuban migrants in Tapachula face challenges such as slow immigration processes, systematic rejection of asylum requests, lack of formal employment, and discrimination. Corruption in immigration offices exacerbates these difficulties.
When is the caravan scheduled to leave?
The caravan is tentatively scheduled to leave Tapachula on October 1st, as communicated by the migrants through social media and messaging platforms.