Diana, her two children aged 5 and 8, her father, and her teenage brother David reached Ciudad Juarez after a three-month journey from Venezuela. They wanted to seek asylum in El Paso, Texas, across the Rio Grande, but were tired from their long trip. They preferred not to share their last names with NPR because they were worried it might affect their asylum request.
They faced challenges due to President Biden’s recent actions limiting asylum claims at the Southern border. The new rule makes it harder for people to prove they fear for their lives if sent back home.
Diana’s family, like many others, had to decide whether to cross the border illegally and risk deportation or stay in Mexico until the restrictions are lifted. They didn’t realize that the new rules only allow asylum claims for those with appointments through the CBP One app.
Despite waiting for over a month for an appointment, they couldn’t get one. So, they tried crossing the Rio Grande on foot but were immediately sent back to Mexico by U.S. border patrol agents. They were scared and disappointed, as they believed false information circulating on social media that implied they could easily enter the U.S. and wait for a court date.
Feeling defeated, they found shelter at a city-run facility near the international bridge. Diana’s 29th birthday passed quietly, without celebration, as they received food, water, and a place to rest. They were among many others from different countries facing similar challenges.
Diana had traveled over 2,200 miles from Venezuela to reunite with her husband in Florida. He had successfully applied for asylum nine months earlier, but before the new restrictions came into effect.