US President Donald Trump’s executive order to suspend the asylum system has left migrants at the border with a murky situation, facing confusing processes and potential deportation to unfamiliar countries.
The order, signed on January 20, aims to curb down immigration, but it has resulted in unclear rules for those seeking asylum. Migrants are being turned away without explanation or access to essential services, including interviews and legal representation.
In February, a Russian election worker who sought asylum after witnessing vote rigging was deported to Costa Rica with his family. He said he was left alone during the process, with no ICE officer to speak with or questions asked about his situation.
According to ABC News, over 200 migrants were recently deported to Central American countries like Costa Rica and Panama. The Trump administration considers these countries “bridges” for temporary detention of deportees.
Despite a drop in border apprehensions under Trump’s presidency, over 200 people are still arrested daily for crossing the southern border unlawfully. Many migrants seek asylum, but the process remains unclear due to the executive order.
Immigration advocates have criticized the policy, calling it illegal and a violation of human rights. A report by a coalition of nonprofits highlights cases where migrants turned themselves in for asylum but were instead turned back or detained, facing hardships on their journey.
“Their robbed us, they left us naked,” said a migrant identified as Gerardo. His group was eventually handed over to Mexican authorities after being robbed and losing their money during the journey.
Source: https://www.inkl.com/news/asylum-seekers-are-increasingly-turned-away-at-the-u-s-border-what-happens-to-them