Temporary Work Permit offered to Migrant Caravan by Mexico

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Temporary work permits have been offered from the Mexican government to Central American migrants who joined a caravan moving towards the United States. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said that “This is Your Home” plan would enable refugees to get identity cards, shelter, medical care and schooling for their children. He also mentioned that the scheme is just open to those who apply for refugee status in the southern Mexican states of Chiapas and Oaxaca. It is the first step towards a permanent solution for those who obtain refugee status in Mexico.

This offer was immediately refused by a large group of migrants during a show of hands at the town of Arriaga (around 1,000 miles from the border with Texas). While a large number of the migrants gathered at the meeting expressed their thanks for the offer. They were heard to shout: “No, we are heading north”. One of those (58-years old Oscar Sosa of San Pedro Sula, Honduras) agreed with the decision. Sosa said, “Our objective is not to remain in Mexico. Our goal is to make it to the U.S. We need passage, that’s all”.

The caravan found their way north from Arriaga blocked by federal police carrying plastic shields on Saturday. Officers said they would reopen the highway and claimed they wanted to give authorities an opportunity to explain the Mexican president’s offer of asylum. However, a large group of migrants said they wanted to get to Mexico City before discussing the issue further. An estimated 4,000 people remain in the caravan, reduced from a starting total of around 10,000. Authorities said that at least 1,700 had already applied for refugee status in Mexico. Sickness, fear, police harassment and offers of government money to cover the cost of their return journey have also contributed to the decreasing numbers.