Rocio Villalobos 
Reynosa, MX- “If I make it to the United States the first thing I would do is start working. I would follow the constitution of the United States, respect the law and live a disciplined life,” said Yoandrys Bolaños Vazquez, a Cuban asylum seeker.
Vasquez fled Cuba to escape persecution he was facing as an artist. Because of the Migrant Protection Protocols, more commonly known as the “remain in Mexico” initiative, he’s been unable to enter the U.S. to seek asylum and has been staying at a Reynosa migrant shelter for two months.
Although the journey was dangerous, he says the hope of living a better life kept him going.
“This group here has faith that we will be received by the great nation. We continue hoping that the U.S. is going to take us in with open arms and that the political confusion clears up so we don’t continue suffering the consequences,” said Vasquez.
Senda de Vida, the church operating the shelter, helps by providing the application for asylum, along with food and shelter.
The pastor and director says the facility relies on donations and is housing 550 people, including children.
While the church does its best to keep the migrants away from harm, he tells us they are not completely safe.
“It’s a little dangerous for them. Last week we had a family that disappeared. We don’t know where they’re at right now,” said Hector Silva. “It’s a little sad.”
Other migrant refugees say they are frustrated with how in following the MPP, they are left stuck in Mexico for months, while immigrants who illegally cross to apply for asylum on U.S. territory are being admitted.
“Those of us that are doing it legally, we are being displaced and sent to Matamoros. And we are given distant U.S. court dates while having to wait in Mexico. Whereas those illegally crossing the river are given a court date right away. So we don’t understand the measures the U.S. immigration is setting,” said Joel Fernandez Cabrera, another asylum seeker from Cuba.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not responded to requests for comment on how the United States is ensuring the safety of asylum seekers forced to await their court hearing in Mexico.
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