The immigration process
Although I spent a week in El Paso two years ago and another week in Dilley recently, I still cannot claim to be an expert in the immigration process. In fact, I’ve realized that even those involved in immigration law have a difficult time discerning ‘the law,’ because of the intricacies, the layers and the policies that are constantly in flux. Below is my understanding of the process for people attempting to enter the US.
Asylum seekers:
Any person fleeing from fear of current or future persecution is allowed to seek asylum in the United States if their persecution falls under these categories:
Race
Religion
Nationality
Membership in a particular social group
Political opinion
People traveling North to the United States from any country other than Mexico must first seek asylum in a country they are passing through, according to the Safe Third Country Transit Bar protocol created in 2019.
Migrants typically arrive to the border after crossing the river (Rio Grande) or the desert. Some arrive to a legal point of entry. Upon arrival, they have to declare they are seeking asylum and then they are detained by US Customs and Border Patrol.
Border Patrol brings the migrants to what is colloquially called the ‘hielera’ or the ‘Ice box’ or to a ‘perrera’ or ‘dog cage,’ detention centers run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They stay from a few days to a couple of weeks in these centers before they are transported to a family detention center, (if applicable). There are many reports of inhumane treatment at these centers, including extremely cold temperatures, dozens of people confined to one cell, aluminum blankets and frozen food kicked toward them twice per day, to name a few stories.
When she arrives at the South Texas Family Residential Center, by bus or plane, her belongings are immediately taken from her. She is given a t-shirt, sweatpants and sneakers and is taken to her dorm, (cell). Three meals are provided each day as she awaits her interview with an asylum officer.
A few women told me that they had their blood drawn, but didn’t know why. There are rumors that DNA is being tracked. Some women reported being given pills that they were mandated to take but didn’t understand what the pills were for.
If she receives a ‘positive,’ from the asylum officer, she will travel to wherever her family members or friends live. She has to report to court immediately to set a date for her asylum hearing. She will have to wear an ankle monitor for the year that it will take to set up her appointment. She will receive phone calls and mail from the court. If she moves or if her phone is disconnected because she is unable to pay the bill, she will accidentally miss her court date. If she doesn’t appear to court, she will be immediately deported.
If she receives a ‘negative’ from the asylum officer, she will have to stay longer at the detention center. She will appear in court in front of a judge who will sign in to an on-line portal remotely. She will talk to the face on the screen through an interpreter on the phone. The proceedings may continue or they might not.
Regardless, she will hold her children close and pray to God. Somehow, she will find the resolve to thank Him.