In the ongoing debate about what to do regarding the immigration issues in the United States, a new flashpoint for the argument has emerged. A "Caravan of immigrants" is currently on the march through Mexico with their end goal being to reach the United States. The caravan consists of nearly 1,200 people, mostly from Honduras. The group is using the strength in numbers approach to make the perilous journey north in hopes of gaining asylum in the United States. Admittedly though, a majority of the immigrants are trying to get into the U.S. by any means necessary, using the caravan to safeguard their travel up to the border.
Who is leading the march?
The organization behind the caravan is Pueblo Sin Fronteras, or People Without Borders. The group is using the caravan as part publicity stunt, part humanitarian effort to both help people and gain notoriety for their cause. By banding together in large numbers, the group hopes to avoid the many pitfalls that befall those who try and make the dangerous trek to the United States alone.
Criminal organizations are less likely to try and extort such a large group, and border patrol agents in Mexico see the group as too big to handle. This allows them to march almost unimpeded on their way north. While U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Mexico to put a stop to the caravan, his requests have fallen on deaf ears.
Communities where the immigrants have made their pit stops have welcomed them with open arms. Knowing that the caravan is only passing through, residents see no need to interfere with the journey.
Fleeing from unrest
The majority of the immigrants come from Honduras, which is gripped in political turmoil at the moment. After a bitterly divided election, many people are fleeing the country out of fear regarding what the future regime may do to dissenters.
Honduras is also home to one of the world's highest murder rates. The ongoing violence has left many families with no choice other than to hit the road in search of a safer home for their family.
Once they reach the border though, their troubles may just be beginning. Of those looking to break from the caravan and sneak into the U.S., the vast majority of them will see asylum requests rejected.
This will mean a one way ticket back to where they came from. The best bet will be to try and sneak in through the various methods used at the border. This presents just as much risk as capture, which will lead to being deported back home. That said, when you factor in the nightmare that many of these people are trying to escape from, the risk is worth the reward.