REYNOSA: Migrants are stuffed into Senda de Vida shelter, waiting to claim asylum in the United States, to do it the “right way” with U.S. authorities at the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge. Many waited weeks, putting their names on a list, maintained on the Mexican side and used to ration access to the port of entry, that gets longer as more people arrive.
Venezuelan Martin Gonzalez: “CBP told me, Go to Senda de Vida, put your name on the list and wait your turn. I’ve been waiting here 65 days.”
Despite the risk of drowning or being taken in the kidnapping capital of Mexico, some at Senda de Vida will try to cross. Texas Tribune interviewed migrants from Central America, Cuba, Venezuela, Russia, and Cameroon. 7 Bangladeshis at Senda de Vida, speaking in halting English, said they were kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint ($700 and all their belongings) in Nuevo Laredo.
At www.texastribune.org
