CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Mexico — A crackdown on illegal immigration has sharply curbed the number of Central Americans and others trying to enter the United States. But Mexicans, who have not been bound by some of the same restrictions, have been showing up at the border in greater numbers, in many cases fleeing the escalating violence in their country. Thousands have been stuck for weeks here in Ciudad Juárez and other border cities, waiting for permission to cross into the United States to apply for asylum. Human rights advocates say the bottleneck violates American and international law by forcing migrants to remain in a country where they feel their lives are at risk. “Wherever we are in Mexico, the gangs can find us,” said Juan, who like many asylum seekers interviewed for this story, asked to be identified by his first name only out of fear for his safety.

Source: International New York Times December 07, 2019 16:30 UTC