Confusion reigns among migrants, while the repeal of Section 42 could have given a better chance of obtaining asylum, the new rules that replace it would deny that recognition to almost all migrants crossing the border illegally, forcing them to decide if they have a better chance at life. in the United States by crossing now or later.

Among the migrants camped on U.S. soil, on a strip of land between two high border walls, Reuters spoke Thursday with people from Vietnam, Afghanistan and Colombia.

The southern wall marks the official border between the United States and Mexico and is relatively easy to cross. There are several openings or places that are easy to climb. Second wall, north of 10 meters high in many places, cornering them. Many would like to enter the United States and apply for asylum.

Customs and border officials did not immediately respond to a Reuters request to explain how they are treating these immigrants.

Border Patrol agents organized them into groups, giving priority to those who arrived first and women traveling with children, eyewitnesses told Reuters. Each is given one A color-coded bracelet, a sort of timestamp to mark your place in line.

From time to time, the group with the highest priority is called to handle it. Agents take pictures of their faces and passports.

ONE WEEK HERE

“I wasn’t well informed,” said Luisa Fernanda Herrera Sierra, a 22-year-old Colombian, “I didn’t think they would leave us here for a week because of the cold, rain and very little food.”

Hashmutallah Habibi, a 26-year-old Afghan, said he left for the United States because “we can’t sit at home and wait for something good to happen in our country.”

But he never expected to be locked in the bottom of a dusty ravine, without a shower and clean clothes for six days, with a sick sister.

“I just hope and pray that they accept us today, because if they don’t accept us, my future and the future of my family will be dark because we have escaped from a dark place,” Habibie said.

Many of the migrants know they have a difficult road ahead, as many, if not most, have not applied for asylum in another country prior to their arrival.

Fabian Camilo Hernandez, a 26-year-old Colombian traveling with his wife and 22-month-old baby, said he would not have made the trip if he knew what to expect.

“It’s hard to see him crying, not sleeping well,” Hernandez said. “I don’t want to think about what might happen. I just hope they let us in.”

Daniel Trotta and Jorge Garcia / Reuters.