Why are migrants coming to America? | NewsNation Now

Summary

Millions of migrants risk everything to chase the American Dream, leaving their homes and enduring perilous journeys to the U.S. border. While some enter legally, many rely on asylum claims amidst shifting immigration policies that create uncertainty and fear of deportation. From families fleeing violence in Central America to individuals like Igor, who opposes his homeland's war, migrants come to the U.S. seeking safety, freedom, and opportunity. Despite facing long legal delays and complicated processes, they continue to hope for a better future in the face of hardship and adversity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Migrants are risking their lives to pursue the American Dream, often leaving behind everything they know.
• 😀 Many migrants travel through multiple countries in search of a better life in the U.S., spending their life savings along the way.
• 😀 A significant number of migrants fear being sent back to Mexico and having to restart the immigration process.
• 😀 Policies have shifted dramatically over the past year, impacting who can stay in the United States and how long they can remain.
• 😀 For many migrants fleeing persecution, the policy changes do not matter—they feel they have no other choice but to come to the U.S.
• 😀 Some migrants, like Victor from El Salvador, hold strong beliefs in American values, even more than those of their own countries.
• 😀 Migrants, such as Igor from Russia, may be fleeing politically motivated violence or military conscription in their home countries.
• 😀 Many migrants do not have work authorization while their asylum claims are processed, which can take several years.
• 😀 The U.S. court system has a significant backlog, causing asylum cases to take 3 to 6 years before being heard.
• 😀 Despite the challenges, the dream of a better life in the U.S. continues to drive migrants to undertake dangerous journeys.

Q & A

Why are so many migrants leaving their homes and attempting to enter the United States?

Many migrants are leaving their homes in search of a better life, often fleeing persecution, violence, or economic hardship. They are chasing the 'American Dream,' hoping for better opportunities and safety.

How many people try to enter the United States legally each year, and how many through the CBP app?

Every year, around 175,000 people enter the U.S. legally. In addition, there are 316,000 who are allowed entry through the CBP One app, which is used for legal entry into the country.

What challenges do migrants face when trying to enter the U.S.?

Migrants often face difficult conditions, including traversing multiple countries, risking their lives, and spending their life savings. They are also concerned about being sent back to Mexico or having to restart the process of seeking asylum.

What are some of the reasons migrants are seeking asylum in the U.S. despite the risks?

Migrants are fleeing severe persecution, political instability, war, and violence in their home countries. For many, the desire for safety, freedom, and a better future outweighs the risks they face during their journey.

What does the shift in U.S. immigration policy mean for migrants trying to stay in the country?

The shift in U.S. immigration policy has dramatically impacted who is allowed to stay. Many migrants fear being sent back to Mexico or face long delays, with some waiting for years before their asylum claims are addressed.

How do migrants like Victor from El Salvador view the United States?

Victor, like many others, sees the United States as a land of opportunity and freedom. He carried an American flag as a symbol of hope, believing in the American values of democracy and prosperity.

Why are some migrants, like Igor from Russia, choosing to leave their home countries?

Igor, for example, fled Russia to avoid being sent to the front lines of the war in Ukraine, something he did not support. Many migrants are leaving their countries due to oppressive regimes, mandatory military service, or political conflicts.

What challenges do migrants face while waiting for their asylum claims to be processed?

While awaiting asylum decisions, many migrants do not have work authorization and are caught in removal proceedings. Some face a backlog of court cases, with hearings taking up to 3 to 6 years.

What impact does the U.S. court backlog have on migrants?

The court backlog significantly delays asylum proceedings, leaving many migrants in a state of uncertainty for years. This backlog complicates their lives, as they cannot work legally or plan for the future.

What does the term 'American Dream' mean for the migrants featured in the report?

For many of the migrants, the 'American Dream' represents the hope for a better life. It embodies the ideals of freedom, opportunity, and safety, offering a chance to escape difficult living conditions in their home countries.