Among the thousands of immigrants heading for This year borders the United StatesThe number of Ecuadorians detained or deported by the US Border Guard reached 97,074 in September.
This is more than seven times the number of Ecuadorian immigrants encountered by US border authorities at the same time last year.
Immigration lawyer Ecuadorian legal services Migrante in 1800 stated that there were multiple factors driving this new caravan, but he pointed out one factor in particular.
“The economic impact of COVID-19,” Murillo told The Epoch Times via What’s App.
As many as 150 million people have fallen into extreme poverty The World Bank estimates that in 2021, eight out of ten “new poor” came from middle-income countries due to the economic blow from the pandemic.
Ecuador lost $ 6.42 billion last year March and May It is due to the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus based on the disaster needs assessment announced by the United Nations.
Murillo explained that Ecuadorian migrants have endured peaks and dips over the last two decades. 2008 and 2021 were notable peaks, and the economic downturn caused by the pandemic caused the economies of already struggling countries to collapse.
Regarding the key factors behind the recent surge, Murillo said: “It’s mainly Ecuador’s poverty, corruption and lack of opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Mexico and Guatemala have changed visa requirements for Ecuadorian immigrants.
Mexico announced Revival of tourist visa policy For Ecuadorians to stop the flow of immigrants towards the border with the United States, Effective September 4th..
Guatemala followed on September 20th, I also need a visa For Ecuadorians to enter.
When Unemployment rate Coupled with the slow economic recovery, which exceeded 16% last year, some Ecuadorian families feel that they have no choice but to look for a better future.
Miguel Acosta, 44, and his family live in Guayaquil. Largest city We have endured the financial difficulties brought about by the arrival of the CCP virus in Ecuador.
“First of all, it’s not safe to go out and now there’s no work left,” Acosta told the Epoch Times.
Acosta hasn’t worked for the past four years due to medical problems, but his wife runs a small shop in Guayaquil, taking care of her three children who still live at home.
“my [oldest] My son Carlos left because he had no work.He is now working in Mexico and saving money [money] To go to the United States, “he said.
After being asked what his son was going to do in the United States, Acosta replied: [in Ecuador].. “
From an immigration lawyer’s point of view, Mr. Murillo said it is most important to establish someone in the United States to help you once you cross the border.
“Since the 1970s, several generations of Ecuadorians have migrated, so most immigrants have relatives, friends and neighbors who help them accept them and find a job,” he explains. bottom.
“Support is essential when deciding to travel to the United States,” Murillo emphasized.
In Mexico 7 out of 10 According to Roberto Canseco, Minister of the Mexican Embassy in Quito, arriving Ecuadorian migrants will not return.
Despite the risks of deportation by the US Border Protection, navigating drugs and traffickers, and impairing dangerous factors, Acosta is optimistic about his son’s chances.
“He was good at swimming and worked on his uncle’s farm. [growing up]..Carlos is a strong boy, he will be able to cross [to the US] When you’re ready, “Acosta said.
Aside from his father’s wishes, Ecuadorian immigrants close to the age of Acosta’s son Missing, Or it turned out to be dead in the last few months due to extreme challenges in the area.
Sadly, Murillo said this pattern is unlikely to change soon.
“Unless Ecuador solves the deep and structural problems of the country, we will move to the United States and other countries.”
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