Atrapados en busca de asilo. Entre la externalización fronteriza y la contención sanitaria

Abstract

Resumen En la región México-Estados Unidos las políticas para controlar y disuadir los desplazamientos migratorios irregulares han alcanzado también a los buscadores de asilo quienes en los últimos años viven un limbo de inmovilidad y desprotección, ahora agravado por la pandemia de la COVID-19. En este artículo se analizan las implicaciones del programa MPP, del sistema de refugio en México y de la crisis sanitaria sobre las personas con necesidades de protección internacional. Los resultados muestran cómo las restricciones y ralentización de los procesos de asilo y refugio han generado distintas condiciones de atrapamiento, mientras la pandemia acentuó el enfoque de securitización migratoria en torno a un riesgo que debe ser contenido.

Anxiety among Central American Migrants in Mexico: A Cumulative Vulnerability

“…In addition to the above, when the subjects were in “forced immobility” or entrapment [ 17 ], some associated this period with feelings of helplessness and episodes of despair that we interpret in keeping the ideas of Requena et al [ 21 ] as an expression of a reduced ability to cope with adversities. We think that for some subjects who experienced the most vulnerabilities, being in a waiting period could increase the risk of presenting with mental disorders or of developing negative coping responses such as the abuse of alcohol or other substances [ 27 ].…”

“…Another consequence of border outsourcing policies, compounded by the implementation of Title 42 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, is that migrants’ stay in Mexico is longer than they had anticipated. This permanence has been called “forced immobility” or entrapment [ 17 , 18 ]. During this stage, people find it necessary to look for work, but their lack of documentation means that they are usually unable to secure employment or end up engaging in activities that involve labor exploitation [ 8 , 10 ].…”

“…During the time migrants are forced to remain in a town or city, they seek accommodation in shelters or temporary settlements and rely on food either from these shelters or charities [ 17 , 18 ]. These situations can create the sensation of having lost control over their lives and weakens their self-esteem [ 22 ].…”