Migrants are abandoning a caravan en route to the United States following Donald Trump's election victory, which has shattered their aspirations of leaving their home countries. The caravan, which commenced earlier this week in southern Mexico, consisted of approximately 3,000 individuals seeking asylum or better economic prospects in the U.S.
However, upon receiving news of the President Elect's triumph, many participants opted to return, apprehensive about the possibility of deportation. Trump has pledged to implement a mass deportation initiative during his upcoming term in office.
"This marks the end of my hope of escaping Cuba," stated Felipe, a Cuban migrant who conveyed his frustration and disappointment regarding the election outcome.
Numerous migrants from South and Central America, including Felipe, participate in Telegram channels and various social media groups to exchange information regarding the U.S. immigration system.
Other migrants within the caravan voiced their discontent over what they perceive as a betrayal by fellow Latinos who supported Trump, particularly in light of the former president's stringent immigration policies.
"They have forgotten their own experiences from the other side," remarked Mahily Paz, a Venezuelan migrant. "I hope it is not the case, but it appears that the opportunity for parole may soon be lost to us. It is all quite disheartening," stated Abel, a young man from Ecuador who had aspirations of entering the U.S. asylum program.
Nevertheless, some migrants remain steadfast in their pursuit of a better future.
In a conversation with Reuters, another Venezuelan migrant, known only as Jeilimar, shared her hope of obtaining an asylum appointment through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's CBP One app before Trump potentially assumes office again in January 2025.
She expressed, "With divine favor, I will secure that appointment."
Trump's proposals to implement stricter border controls, which include deportations and restrictions on asylum applications, have raised concerns regarding the likelihood of migrants successfully entering the United States.
In his victory address, Trump reiterated his dedication to "sealing up those borders" and emphasized that legal immigration would be the sole permissible route into the U.S.
During his previous term, stringent measures such as the "Remain in Mexico" policy and accelerated deportations were put into effect, resulting in numerous migrants being left in border encampments.
The former president's website states, "President Trump will put an end to the Harris-Biden Administration's border crisis," accompanied by commitments to abolish "catch and release" practices and to reinstate the Remain in Mexico policy, which was active from January 2019 to June 2022, mandating that asylum seekers remain in Mexico until their immigration court hearings in the U.S.
In addition to completing what he refers to as the "Trump wall," the former president has also vowed to recruit an extra 10,000 border patrol agents.
In late September, the former president indicated that his deportation initiative would encompass immigrants who were admitted under the Biden Administration's Humanitarian Parole program, as well as those permitted to remain in the country under Temporary Protected Status.
According to YouGov, 53 percent of participants believe Trump would perform effectively regarding immigration, in contrast to 45 percent for Harris.
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