As Haitian Refugees Settle in Mexico, a Photojournalist Documents a New Tijuana Mariana Martinez Estens - KCET
go to original February 12, 2017

Last May, the complex landscape of Tijuana got a new addition — thousands of Haitians who came to the border seeking asylum.

A majority of the Haitians had left their country in large numbers after the devastating earthquake of 2010. They mostly found homes in Brazil and Venezuela, but after the closing ceremony fireworks of the 2016 Olympics had been distinguished, so had their manufacturing and service related jobs. Many embarked on a dangerous pilgrimage through 13 countries in order to seek asylum in the U.S. — Tijuana is right at the doorstep of this promised land.
 
The first — the lucky ones — got into the U.S. with little hassle, but soon immigration officials started to turn them down. The U.S. immigration authorities claimed to be overwhelmed by asylum petitions and unable to process any more. And now there´s Donald Trump’s immigration stance to add to their uncertainty of gaining entry.
 
Thousands of refugee families continue to be stranded in Tijuana, a city far from where they hoped would be their final destination. Everyday they have a makeshift routine, as they struggle to understand and find a place in a new city.

Since their arrival, Tijuana-based photojournalist Omar Martínez has been documenting the social conditions they live through.

Read the rest and see photos at KCET

Related: Migrants Staying Put in Mexico, Abandoning Efforts to Reach U.S. (Catholic News Service)

Related: Law and Disorder: The Grisly Lens of Mexican Photographer Enrique Metinides – in Pictures (The Guardian)

Related: Cuban Refugees Seek Asylum in Nuevo Laredo - More Than 500 Wait for Possible Humanitarian, Refugee Visas (San Antonio Express-News)

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