Mexican Shelters Struggle as Biden's Asylum Ban Increases Crowding

Following the recent suspension of most asylum requests by the Biden administration, migrant shelters south of the US border are experiencing varying impacts. More than a week after the policy change, some shelters in areas south of Texas and California report having ample space, while others, particularly in Mexico's Sonora state near Arizona, are facing challenges due to an influx of deportations.

Joanna Williams, the executive director of Kino Border Initiative, highlighted the strain on their resources, stating, "We're having to turn people away because we can't, we don't have the room for all the people who need shelter." The shelter has a capacity for 100 individuals but is grappling with demands beyond its limits.

In contrast, the San Juan Bosco shelter in Nogales has seen its numbers swell from about 40 to 120 occupants since the policy shift. Juan Francisco Loureiro, the shelter's director, noted a significant increase in occupants, predominantly Mexicans including families and adults. Additionally, Mexico has agreed to accept deportees from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

Remote towns like Agua Prieta are also witnessing a rise in migrant arrivals. Perla del Angel from the Exodus Migrant Attention Centre reported receiving over 40 individuals on a single Sunday and continued to see an influx in the following days.

However, Tijuana's situation contrasts sharply with no deported migrants arriving at four large shelters since the asylum ban's implementation. Paulina Olvera of Espacio Migrante pointed out the prevailing uncertainty and mental health impacts among migrants, despite not witnessing direct returns yet.

The Biden administration officials have disclosed that thousands have been deported since July 5 when the new rule suspending asylum requests came into effect. This suspension triggers whenever arrests for illegal crossings surpass 2,500 in a single day and will remain until arrests drop below a seven-day daily average of 1,500.

Blas Nuñez-Neto, assistant homeland security secretary for border and immigration policy, has indicated readiness for repatriating a record number of individuals in the coming days. However, specific figures on deportations remain undisclosed by both the Homeland Security Department and Mexico's National Immigration Institute as of now.

Mexican authorities are actively relocating unauthorized individuals further south from the border zone. This move comes amidst challenges posed by previous US policy shifts like the Trump-era "Remain in Mexico" plan which saw about 70,000 people waiting in Mexico for US immigration court hearings.

Immigration advocates have initiated a federal challenge against this policy change. Concerns are growing over potential bottlenecks at shelters as migrants vie for legal entry through the CBP One app, which offers 1,450 appointments daily. Some migrants at Espacio Migrante have been attempting to secure an appointment for as long as eight months.

Shelters like Casa del Migrante in Matamoros are operating below capacity but anticipate challenges as more migrants compete for limited slots through CBP One. Berta Alicia Dominguez is seeking support from various organizations to address potential food shortages due to increased demand.

Meanwhile, Isabel Turcios of Casa del Migrante Frontera Digna in Piedras Negras expresses concerns over unintended consequences of exempting unaccompanied children from Biden's order. The fear is that this exemption might encourage mothers to send their children alone.

This uneven impact on shelters across Mexico underscores the complex challenges faced by migrant communities and support organizations following recent shifts in US immigration policy.