Immigration to the US is increasing rapidly.

The flow of refugees into the US has been increasing over time, causing difficulties for Washington from many sides.

Photo: AP

Mexican President Manuel Lopez Obrador said that there are currently about 10,000 migrants and refugees arriving at the US-Mexico border every day. Specifically, there are about 6,000 migrants entering the southern border of Mexico and about 10,000 migrants arriving at the US-Mexico border every day.

Mexican President Lopez Obrador has called for finding solutions to thoroughly address the causes of the current migration situation, including people's need to find jobs and improve their lives.

According to Mr. Obrador, countries need to increase mutual understanding and coordination so that people are not forced to migrate. Mr. Obrador is expected to soon meet with the foreign ministers of 10 Latin American countries and the United States to discuss ways to solve the current migration situation in the Americas.

Meanwhile, the number of migrants crossing the Darien Gap (Panama) to find a way to the US in the first 9 months of 2023 has also exceeded 400,000 people, a record high so far and double the number for the whole of 2022. The Panamanian Ministry of Security said that in September alone, the country witnessed a 20% increase in the number of people crossing the border compared to the previous month. Worryingly, more than half of the above migrants are children and infants.

Most of the migrants crossing this dangerous jungle are Venezuelan citizens, but there are also people from Ecuador, Haiti and other countries.

Earlier this month, Panama announced measures to stem the surge in migrants, including deporting more people with criminal records and reducing the number of days some tourists can stay in the country. The measures follow a two-month program launched in April by the United States, Panama and Colombia to tackle undocumented immigration.

In May, the US introduced a new policy to prevent illegal border crossings, including deporting migrants and banning re-entry for five years, as the Biden administration grapples with record-high migration.

The tougher measures initially reduced border crossings by about 70%. However, the number of migrants arriving at the US-Mexico border has increased recently, suggesting that the initial deterrent effect is fading.

Reuters reported that some African and Cuban migrants and asylum seekers to the United States said they flew to Nicaragua to avoid having to cross the dangerous Darien Gap.

“We will increase deportations to achieve the necessary efficiency,” Samira Gozaine, director of Panama's national immigration agency, said earlier.

Samira Gozaine explained that Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo has authorized the use of chartered planes to support the planned increase in deportation flights. The Panamanian government agency will cooperate with the country's Ministry of Security to double the deportation of people with criminal records.

In addition, Panama will reduce the maximum length of stay for tourists from 90 days to 15 days. Visitors will be required to show they have at least $1,000 in cash, up from $500. Those requirements will not apply to all nationalities, Gozaine added.

Despite many moves to curb the flow of immigrants into the United States, Washington is still struggling to deal with the continued increase in illegal immigration. Finding a solution to this problem has yet to be resolved.

The Darien Gap, a stretch of jungle that connects Colombia and Panama, is notoriously dangerous and has been the site of many injuries and deaths. Migrants and asylum seekers not only face threats from criminal organizations, but the terrain is so dangerous that it was once considered impassable, with steep mountains, fast-flowing rivers and dense jungle.

HN synthesis

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