Daelmis Nodarse is a Cuban mother stranded in Mexico with her three minor daughters, awaiting an opportunity to reunite with her husband in the United States.
Like thousands of migrants, her appointment with CBP One was canceled following the implementation of the new measures by the Donald Trump administration, leaving her in a state of immigration limbo.
“I feel bad because I came with the hope of, thanks to the appointment (with CBP One), being able to reunite my family after five long years”, Nodarse expressed in an interview with Univision.
Her husband resides in Miami and is a political activist with an I-220A.
From a distance, he shares his family's despair but insists that they must follow the legal path.
“I feel desperate, I have an enormous desire to have them back here with me, but it must be done legally, it must be done the right way”, he stated.
The woman and her daughters have been in Tapachula, in southern Mexico, for five months, a city that has become a forced refuge for thousands of migrants trying to cross into the United States regularly. Now, without a clear plan to move forward, their situation is uncertain.
The migration crisis at the border
The case of this family reflects the reality of thousands of Cubans and people from other nationalities trapped at the border between Mexico and the United States, who were awaiting their appointment with CBP One when the new immigration restrictions came into effect.
Despite the measures imposed by Trump, this Sunday a new caravan of migrants set off from Tapachula, mostly Cubans and Venezuelans, heading towards the northern border.
The desperation to find a solution has led many to take risks, while others choose to wait for a legal resolution.
Lawyers advise against illegal crossing
Immigration attorney José Guerrero, in statements to the mentioned media outlet, warned that those who attempt to cross illegally will be swiftly detained and deported to Mexico.
“At this moment, what we are recommending is that they should wait, they should not cross the border illegally because they will be detained and quickly deported to Mexico,” he explained.
Regarding the duration of this situation at the border, the lawyer indicated that there is no estimated timeframe for the resolution of the crisis.
"As an emergency has been declared at the border, it may take possibly a few months, but patience is required, because if you enter and are deported, you will face a five-year penalty," Guerrero pointed out.
Mexico, an unstable refuge for migrants
Meanwhile, in Mexico, the situation is becoming more complicated for those seeking to remain in the country legally.
Some migrants have chosen to stay in Mexican territory and obtain residency documents, but the procedures are slow and access to job opportunities is limited.
"I came to Mexico to stay, to handle my paperwork here because my intention is to remain in Mexico, not to go anywhere else. That's why it bothers me so much that my papers have been delayed, because I want to work and build a life here," declared a Cuban who finds herself in this situation.
In Tapachula, the crisis has exceeded the capacity of the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance, leading to thousands of migrants having to wait months for a response regarding their status.
The situation has led to disturbances on several occasions, forcing the Armed Forces to intervene to prevent confrontations.
In light of the collapse of shelters and the growing pressure at the border, the Mexican government has begun to create and expand facilities to accommodate migrants deported from the United States.
However, uncertainty remains a constant for thousands of people who, like Daelmis and her daughters, continue to be stuck in the wait for an opportunity to reunite with their loved ones.
Frequently asked questions about the migration crisis at the Mexico-United States border
Why was the CBP One application canceled?
The CBP One application was canceled by the administration of Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, as part of new immigration policies that restrict migrants' access to the United States. This left thousands of asylum seekers in a state of uncertainty, as scheduled appointments were also canceled.
What options do Cuban migrants stranded in Mexico have?
Cuban migrants stranded in Mexico face the option of waiting in the country while attempting to regularize their status or seeking asylum there. Some have chosen to begin the process of obtaining residency in Mexico, although the process is slow and job opportunities are limited. Additionally, the saturation of asylum offices in Mexico complicates their chances of progressing quickly.
What risks do migrants face if they attempt to cross the border illegally?
Attempting to cross the border illegally can lead to the immediate detention and deportation of migrants to Mexico. Additionally, those who are deported face a punishment of five years during which they cannot attempt to enter the United States through legal means. Lawyers recommend following the established legal processes to avoid these consequences.
What measures has the Mexican government taken in response to the migration crisis?
The government of Mexico has begun to create and expand shelters to accommodate migrants deported from the United States and has announced the repatriation of those stranded due to the new restrictions. In addition, agreements have been established with countries of origin to facilitate the return of migrants to their home places.
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