80% of women in Tijuana’s shelters are from Mexico
Tijuana has become a critical entry point for migrants seeking to cross into the United States. Among them, a significant number are women and children. These vulnerable individuals often stay in migrant shelters while waiting for asylum opportunities. The situation in these shelters is alarming and reflects deeper issues related to violence and instability in their home country.
The Demographics of Migrant Women
Nearly 80% of the women in Tijuana’s migrant shelters are from Mexico. Many flee severe violence, organized crime, and domestic abuse. Areas like Michoacán, Guanajuato, and Jalisco are particularly affected by cartel violence. The hardships faced in their home states often push them to make the dangerous journey to Tijuana, one of the few options left for survival.
Lack of Legal Appointments
Sister Albertina María Paoletti is the director of the Madre Asunta shelter. She states that most women arriving at shelters lack legal appointments. They are supposed to use the CBP One system for scheduling appointments with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Yet, only a few have successfully made appointments. Despite this, many women choose to cross the border anyway, putting themselves at great risk.
Harrowing Journeys
The journeys these women undergo are filled with trauma. For them, arriving in Tijuana often represents desperation and a fight for survival. They seek safety and the chance to rebuild their lives. The increase in the number of women, especially from violence-stricken regions, demonstrates ongoing challenges in Mexico. Cartels continue to exert control and wreak havoc, leaving women little choice but to flee, often leaving their families behind.
Crowded Conditions in Shelters
Sister Paoletti observes that many shelters have seen a surge in female migrants recently. As the number of women increases, space becomes limited. Many women and children are forced to sleep in overcrowded conditions. Some even find themselves sleeping in gardens or patios when indoor space runs out. Shelter staff face a difficult decision: they cannot accept additional women and children unless they can provide adequate care. This situation emphasizes the critical resource constraints faced by shelters.
Desperation to Cross the Border
Obtaining a CBP One appointment is a significant challenge for many of these migrant women. Despite the shelters urging them to wait for appointments, most remain determined to cross the border. The belief that the U.S. offers safety and the possibility for a better life is a powerful motivation. However, the journey to the border is perilous, with the constant threat of deportation adding to their anxiety.
Misinformation and Increased Migration Pressure
Currently, growing fears of an “open border” policy in the U.S. add to the crisis in Tijuana. Rumors have led many migrants to rush to the border in hopes of seizing an opportunity that may not actually exist. This misinformation exacerbates the already tense situation in shelters and has led to an influx of migrants attempting to cross without proper documentation.
A Humanitarian Crisis
The circumstances faced by these women represent a severe and often overlooked crisis. Many are fleeing from violence and seeking refuge in the U.S. This situation highlights the need for comprehensive immigration policies. Policymakers must address the root causes of migration while simultaneously providing humanitarian aid to those in need. As conditions worsen in regions affected by violence, the influx of migrants into Tijuana is likely to continue. Both Mexico and the U.S. need to work together to create safer, more stable environments for vulnerable populations.
