Migrants, mostly Cubans, reported an illegal charging networks and alleged complicity between lawyers and immigration authorities regarding the processing of documents in Tapachula.
According to interviews provided to Balance México, Cubans assert that, despite following the procedures with the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR) and the National Institute of Migration (INM), their applications are denied, while private agents offer to "resolve" this issue in exchange for payments of up to 22,000 Mexican pesos (almost 1,200 USD).
In light of the situation, they announced the organization of a caravan that left on October first.
According to the recorded testimonies, some have been in Tapachula for over a year and have received multiple denials from COMAR for their asylum applications.
They also denounce that the INM refuses to issue the "humanitarian notice" —which would allow their mobility— but that "magically appears" when payment is made to a lawyer.
"We are appealing to our international rights... we do not want to live in a migratory limbo," stated one of those affected.
Several interviewees describe a "business" where intermediaries promise a "positive" result in the process in exchange for money.
A migrant claimed to have paid 650 dollars (approximately 13 thousand Mexican pesos) to a lawyer to "ensure" a favorable outcome and, despite that, received an unfavorable resolution.
Subsequently, he restarted the process with seven accumulated signatures and claims that "he can't take it anymore." Others report charges of 20,000 and even 22,000 pesos "to guarantee" a favorable ruling.
Among the complaints, there are also two denials of Mexican residency "through legal means" despite having paid agents.
Those speaking insist that they are not looking to leave Mexico, but to regularize their situation in order to live and work in the country. "We don’t want to go anywhere, we want to live here in Mexico," said one of them.
The complainants say that the rejection rate would be extremely high and that, for this reason, they organized a caravan to raise awareness of the alleged abuses and demand that their cases be resolved without profit-driven intermediaries.
"We want justice," summarized, as they request that their rights be respected and that the fees they claim are obstructing their procedures be abolished.
The "Mexican dream"
The caravan, mostly made up of Cubans, departed Wednesday morning heading to Mexico City to demand the regularization of their documents.
"We are neither demanding nor requesting. We are appealing to a right that every immigrant has. To live well, to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life, in a democratic country like Mexico. That is what we want," said a Cuban interviewed by Balance México.
Meanwhile, hundreds of undocumented individuals continue to live in precarious conditions, unable to work formally and with little hope of progressing in their applications unless they resort to paying for private legal advice.
Cubans are opting for the "Mexican dream" due to the tightening of immigration policies in the United States under the Donald Trump administration.
Mexico has become an attractive destination for these migrants, as it offers the opportunity to settle, work, and receive government assistance, unlike the increasing obstacles to reaching the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Cuban Migrants in Tapachula
Why are Cuban migrants in Tapachula reporting corruption in immigration procedures?
Cuban migrants denounce a network of undue charges and alleged complicity between lawyers and immigration authorities for processing documents in Tapachula. They claim that, despite following the official procedures, their applications are systematically rejected, while private facilitators offer to resolve the paperwork in exchange for payments of up to 22,000 Mexican pesos.
What actions have migrants taken to raise awareness of these abuses?
Migrants have decided to organize a caravan that departed on October first towards Mexico City. This mobilization seeks to highlight the alleged abuses and demand that their cases be resolved without profit-driven mediation. They want justice and for their rights to be respected without having to pay for them.
What are the main economic difficulties faced by Cuban migrants in Tapachula?
Cuban migrants face high living costs and low wages in Tapachula, complicating their situation even further. They work in informal jobs with low salaries, while immigration procedures are slow and expensive, especially if they turn to private legal services to progress in their asylum applications.
What do Cuban migrants seek by staying in Mexico?
Cuban migrants are seeking to regularize their status to live and work in Mexico. They are not looking to leave the country, but rather to settle down in order to improve their quality of life and send remittances to their families in Cuba, especially in light of the tightening of immigration policies in the United States.
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