Migrants from «caravan» don’t want to stay in Mexico as refugees and continue to go to the US border

Several thousand migrants from Central America refused to participate in the program of the Mexican government, «You are home»to continue his long journey of a thousand miles of the American border.

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto announced a new government plan that offers migrants shelter, medical assistance, training, and work in two southern States: Chiapas and Oaxaca, if they apply for refugee status in the country. According to authorities, more than 1,700 people have already applied for participation in the program «You are home».

However, the majority of members of the «caravan» of migrants nevertheless refused the proposal.

Migrant caravan members refuse Mexico’s offer of temporary asylum pic.twitter.com/vI9yrTYVVi

— Muhammad faraz (@Muhamma30825628) October 27, 2018

«Thank you!» — shouted the crowd after the vote to reject the proposal of the Mexican authorities. Then people started chanting: «No, we’re going North!»

«Our goal is not to stay in Mexico, told NBC News 58-year-old Oscar Sosa from San Pedro Sula (Honduras). — Our goal is to get to [US]. We want to cross [the border], that’s all.»

Activist, Irineo Mujica of the human rights group Pueblo sin Fronteras supports the decision of migrants. He said that 80% of those who apply for refugee status will be deported.

Despite the fact that such «caravans» regularly crossed the border for many years (mostly unnoticed), this year they focused special attention after the adoption of the policy of «zero tolerance» on the part of President trump.

On Friday (2 October) the Pentagon has approved the decision to send additional troops to the southern border of the United States to curb the flow of illegal immigrants. According to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, defense Minister Jim Mattis ordered to develop details such as the size, composition, and expected deployment costs.

UNICEF is concerned about the condition of 2300 children travelling «caravan», many of whom are ill or suffer from dehydration. According to the UN, they will receive protection and access to health services, clean water and other basic necessities. UNICEF is working with the Mexican authorities over the availability of drinking water and hygiene.

Source