This Caravan Started Out Strong, But Trump’s Win Changes Everything!

As Donald Trump’s election win ripples through Central American communities, a caravan of migrants hoping to reach the United States has begun to unravel, as fears of harsher immigration policies set in. With the news of Trump’s victory spreading across mobile devices, many migrants have abandoned their journey north, disillusioned by what they believe is the end of their “dream of getting out.”

Starting earlier in the week from southern Mexico, this caravan originally included around 3,000 migrants, united by the hope for asylum or better job prospects in the United States. But now, with Trump’s promise to resume deportations and close down immigration pathways, some of these travelers are choosing to return home.

“This is the end of my dream of getting out of Cuba,” said Felipe, a Cuban migrant whose disappointment with the U.S. election results reflects the mood of many others. With Trump’s return to power looming, migrants like Felipe see slim chances of a future in America.

The caravan is largely composed of migrants from South and Central America, who, like Felipe, have used Telegram and other social media channels to stay informed about their journey and discuss the complex U.S. immigration system. Yet, with Trump’s election win, even these online spaces are filling with new concerns about the risks ahead.

Some migrants also voiced frustration at the Latino voters who backed Trump, despite his tough stance on immigration. “They forgot about when they were on the other side,” expressed Mahily Paz, a Venezuelan migrant, as she grappled with feelings of betrayal from those who share her background.

Another Ecuadorian migrant, Abel, expressed similar dismay over the future of the U.S. asylum program, fearing it may end before he can reach the border. “Hopefully not, but it seems that parole doesn’t have much time left for us. It’s all so sad,” he remarked.

Even amid these concerns, not everyone is giving up on the journey. Jeilimar, a Venezuelan migrant, remains hopeful, aiming to secure an asylum appointment before Trump’s term officially starts in January 2025. “With God’s favor, I’ll get that appointment,” she told Reuters, placing her hopes in the CBP One app, which facilitates appointments for U.S. immigration services.

Trump’s recent statements, including plans to tighten border security and revive previous policies, have left little room for doubt about his stance on immigration. He reaffirmed his goal to “seal up those borders” and underscored that only legal pathways into the U.S. would be permitted. During his last term, Trump implemented strict policies like the “Remain in Mexico” program, which forced asylum seekers to wait across the border until their court dates, a measure that left many stranded in Mexico under precarious conditions.

In addition to reinforcing border policies, Trump’s campaign website outlines further steps to curb unauthorized immigration, pledging to end “catch and release” practices and restore the Remain in Mexico policy, which was active from January 2019 until June 2022. Moreover, Trump aims to complete construction of what he calls the “Trump wall” and has proposed hiring an additional 10,000 border patrol agents.

His deportation plans don’t stop at the border, though. Recently, Trump hinted that he would extend deportations to migrants who gained entry through the Biden Administration’s Humanitarian Parole program or were granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS). These plans resonate with some U.S. voters—recent polling by YouGov indicates that 53 percent believe Trump’s approach to immigration would be effective, as opposed to 45 percent who favor Harris.

For migrants who remain undeterred, the challenges are daunting, and the uncertain future weighs heavily on their minds. The prospect of stricter border enforcement, along with Trump’s hardline immigration policies, has reshaped the path forward for those seeking refuge in America. The journey to the U.S. border is not merely a route across geography; it’s a test of resilience and hope amid changing political winds.