CIUDAD HIDALGO, Mexico (AP) — Venezuelan migrant Yuri Carolina Meléndez recently arrived in Mexico and wasted no time in downloading the U.S. government’s CBP One app to apply for asylum appointments. This app, previously accessible only in central or northern Mexico, is now available to migrants in Mexico’s southernmost states bordering Guatemala as of Friday.
Mexico has been advocating for this expansion to alleviate the pressure on migrants to continue north to cities like Mexico City. By enabling migrants to apply for appointments in the south, Mexico hopes to deter them from risking encounters with authorities or criminal groups while traveling north.
The CBP One app has been instrumental in managing the increasing demand for U.S. asylum along the southwestern border. Since its launch in January 2023, over 765,000 individuals have scheduled appointments through the app, with the U.S. processing 1,500 appointments daily.
While the app has contributed to a significant decrease in illegal border crossings since its peak in December 2023, concerns have been raised by advocacy groups regarding its impact on migrants. These groups argue that the app restricts access to protection for vulnerable individuals, leading to prolonged stays in Mexico under precarious conditions.
Despite these criticisms, Mexico views the app's expansion positively, with the Foreign Affairs Secretary emphasizing its potential benefits. However, concerns persist among migrants and advocacy groups about the challenges they face, including exposure to violence and exploitation during their journeys.
The United Nations Refugee Agency has expressed cautious optimism about the app's expansion, highlighting the need for comprehensive measures to address migration challenges. As migrants in southern Mexico weigh their options, factors such as job opportunities, safety concerns, and family needs influence their decisions on whether to wait or continue their journey north.
For many migrants like Noemí Ramírez from El Salvador, the opportunity to initiate their asylum application from Mexico's Chiapas state offers a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainties of migration. As they navigate the complex realities of seeking asylum, migrants like Ramírez prioritize their safety and well-being as they strive for a better future.
