Tag

Darien Gap

All articles tagged with #darien gap

international-relations1 year ago

"Biden's Warning to Netanyahu: Averted Cyberattack and Aid to Gaza Insufficient"

During a phone call between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israel agreed to add aid routes to Gaza as Biden emphasized support hinged on civilian protection, while a narrowly averted cyberattack raises questions about the capabilities of a single individual to prevent such threats. Additionally, the dangers of the Darién Gap are highlighted as the site of increased sexual assault of migrants, and a judge's ruling allows prisoners to view a solar eclipse and orders timely housing for migrant children at the border.

americas1 year ago

"Escalating Sexual Assault Crisis for Migrants in Panama"

The Darién Gap, a treacherous jungle region between Colombia and Panama, has seen a significant increase in sexual assaults on migrants, with aid groups documenting a spike in attacks over the past six months. The New York Times interviewed over 70 people, including 14 women who reported suffering sexual violence, highlighting the grim risks faced by migrants on their journey. The assaults, including aggressive touching and rape, have affected migrants from various countries, including Venezuela, Ecuador, Haiti, and Colombia.

immigration2 years ago

Rising Number of Chinese Brave Perilous Southern Border Crossings to Reach U.S.

A growing number of Chinese migrants are risking dangerous journeys through the Darién Gap in Panama to reach the United States, driven by bleak economic prospects and political oppression in China. Educated and affluent Chinese are migrating through legal channels, while others are following a playbook circulating on social media: crossing the Darién Gap, surrendering to U.S. border control officers, and applying for asylum. The surge of desperate Chinese migrants is a reversal of a longtime pattern, as millions of Chinese migrated to developed countries in the past for higher living standards. However, the current migrants fear falling into poverty and see no future for themselves or their children in China under the rule of Xi Jinping.

human-rights2 years ago

"Survivors Speak Out: Horrific Abuse of Female and Child Migrants in Darien Gap 'Rape Tents'"

At least 400 women and children have been raped in tents set up specifically to abuse migrants in the dangerous Darien Gap, according to a report by Doctors Without Borders. The youngest victims were 11, 12, and 16 years old. Migrants crossing the gap, hoping to reach the US, face kidnappings and rape in tents set up for that purpose. Armed groups demand money from migrants, subjecting those who can't pay to abuse ranging from unwanted touching to rape. One rape occurs every three hours, and many victims don't come forward. Costa Rica has declared a state of emergency as it struggles to handle the influx of migrants. Doctors Without Borders is calling for safe passage and access to medical care for migrants.

immigration2 years ago

Rising Chinese Migration to U.S. Border Amid Economic Struggles

Chinese migrants are increasingly taking a dangerous and arduous journey to the U.S.-Mexico border to seek asylum, driven by a repressive political climate and bleak economic prospects in China. Many Chinese nationals are crossing the Darién Gap, a treacherous jungle in Panama, after traveling through several countries. Social media platforms provide step-by-step guides and tips for the journey, while translation apps help migrants navigate through Central America. The number of Chinese migrants crossing the Darién has been rising, with September seeing a peak in arrests at the U.S. border. Chinese migrants face challenges in the U.S. asylum process but are willing to endure them for the promise of freedom and better opportunities.

immigration2 years ago

Biden's Warning to Migrants: Will There Be Regret?

Many migrants, like Dayry Alexandra Cuauro and her daughter, heeded President Biden's warning and chose to apply for legal entry into the United States instead of risking the dangerous journey north. However, after nearly a year of waiting, their applications remain in limbo, while others who ignored the warning and crossed the border have been granted protection and job opportunities. The mixed messages from the Biden administration highlight the challenges of managing the influx of migrants while trying to appease both political parties. Cuauro's chances of reaching the United States may disappear if a judge rules against the legal pathway she applied for, leaving her and many others in migration purgatory.

immigration2 years ago

Eric Adams Faces Skepticism and Heckling During Latin America Trip

New York City Mayor Eric Adams embarked on a four-day trip to Mexico, Ecuador, and Colombia to discourage migrants from coming to New York. However, in interviews with migrants in Necoclí, Mexico City, and Quito, most expressed determination to continue their journey despite Adams's message. The mayor called for efforts to counter the false hopes and promises being spread to migrants, but acknowledged the limits of his efforts. While previous U.S. officials have also urged migrants not to make the trek through the Darién Gap, these pleas have been followed by larger waves of migrants. Many migrants remain undeterred, driven by their American dream and the belief that they can find work and a better life in New York.

migration2 years ago

Escalating Migrant Crisis in Darién Jungle Sparks Urgent Action

The Colombian ambassador to the U.S. has described the record number of migrants crossing Panama's treacherous Darién Gap jungle each month as an "unsustainable crisis." In September alone, over 75,000 migrants crossed the roadless jungle, with more than 400,000 migrants crossing this year. The flow of migration has fueled unprecedented levels of Venezuelan arrivals along the U.S. southern border, with roughly 50,000 Venezuelan migrants processed in September alone. Colombia is focused on expanding legal migration opportunities, integrating Venezuelan migrants, and working with the U.S. to improve local economies to address the root causes of the crisis.

immigration2 years ago

Mayor Adams' Latin America Trip: Addressing Immigration Crisis and Financial Concerns

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is embarking on a trip to Mexico, Ecuador, and Colombia to discourage migrants from coming to the United States, highlighting the strain that cities like New York are facing in accommodating the influx of arrivals. Adams, along with other Democratic leaders, has criticized President Joe Biden's immigration policies and expressed concerns about the impact on their cities. The mayor's trip aims to address the misinformation spread by smugglers and social media, which misleads asylum seekers into believing they will receive luxurious accommodations upon arrival. However, advocacy groups have criticized Adams' trip as ineffective and argue that the city should focus on managing the existing shelter system and providing support to newly arrived migrants.

immigration2 years ago

U.S. Resumes Deportation Flights to Venezuela Amid Growing Arrivals

The U.S. will resume deportation flights to Venezuela in an effort to deter migration from the country and discourage migrants from crossing the dangerous Darien Gap in Panama. The move comes as the Biden administration faces political pressure to address the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. The administration has been criticized for its handling of the situation, with some Democrats expressing concerns about the strain on resources and services in affected states. The decision to waive federal laws to resume construction of the border wall in Texas has also drawn criticism and accusations of hypocrisy.

immigration2 years ago

US Officials Resume Deportation Flights for Venezuelan Migrants, Address Migration and Drug Trafficking Concerns in Mexico

The Biden administration plans to resume deportation flights for Venezuelan migrants, according to two US officials. The specific details and start date of the flights have not been disclosed. This decision comes after the administration recently expanded protected status for Venezuelans in the US. While Biden aims to provide legal pathways for migrants, he also intends to crack down on illegal crossings. Venezuela has been facing a severe political, economic, and humanitarian crisis, leading millions to migrate, with many attempting to reach the US through the dangerous Darién Gap in Panama.

migration2 years ago

Record High: Over 400,000 Migrants Brave Panama's Darien Gap Crossing

The number of migrants crossing the dangerous Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia has reached a record high of 400,000 in the year to September, with over half of them being children and babies. Most of the migrants are from Venezuela, with others coming from Ecuador, Haiti, and other countries. Despite efforts by Panama, the United States, and Colombia to curb the flow of undocumented immigration, the number of crossings continues to increase. Costa Rica has declared a state of emergency, and the United States has implemented tougher measures to deter illegal crossings, but the early deterrent effect appears to be wearing off. Some migrants are now flying into Nicaragua to bypass the dangers of the Darien Gap.

immigration2 years ago

Panama's Response to Surging Migration: Stepped-Up Deportations

Panama plans to increase deportations and enhance infrastructure in the Darien Gap, a dangerous jungle area along its border with Colombia, in response to a record-breaking flow of migrants. Over 350,000 migrants have crossed the Darien Gap this year, surpassing last year's record. The country will also tighten requirements for some foreigners arriving by air, reducing the maximum tourist stay to 15 days and increasing the minimum required funds. Venezuelans make up the majority of migrants entering Panama through the Darien Gap.

migration2 years ago

"Unprecedented Surge: Migrant Children Fleeing Latin America and Caribbean, UN Reports"

The United Nations has warned that a record number of migrant children are moving through Latin America and the Caribbean, driven by factors such as gang violence, poverty, instability, and climate change. In the first seven months of 2023, over 60,000 children crossed the treacherous Darien Gap, a major migration route connecting South and Central America. Younger children, under 11 years old, accounted for up to 91% of all children moving through key transit points in the region. The UNICEF director for Latin America and the Caribbean called for a stronger humanitarian response and the expansion of safe migration pathways to protect the rights and futures of these children.

migration2 years ago

Unprecedented Surge in Migrants Crossing Darién Gap

A record number of migrants, including Venezuelans, Haitians, and Ecuadoreans, are risking the dangerous journey through the Darién Gap, a dense jungle between Panama and Colombia, in an attempt to reach the US. Over 250,000 people have crossed the wilderness on foot in the first seven months of 2023, with a fifth of them being children. The journey poses risks from criminal gangs, extreme weather, and wild animals. The Red Cross has set up aid stations, but many migrants arrive in devastating conditions. At least 36 people died attempting the crossing last year, and drownings are a major cause of death in the area. Efforts to curb migration through the Darién Gap have had limited success, and the number of migrants in July was particularly concerning.