Since the lifting of restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people crossing the border has increased exponentially. In 2023, an estimated 2.5 million individuals will cross the southern border. In 2021, the U.S. Border Patrol reported encountering over 1.6 million migrants.
Despite the country’s sufficient capacity to handle this influx, the United States is limited by an outdated, politicized, and harmful immigration policy. The administration responsible for legal entries lacks financial resources and staff. Additionally, the courts handling asylum applications are completely overwhelmed, nearly halting the progress of these claims. Ciudad Juárez and other Mexican border cities are known to be extremely dangerous for migrants. Reports of violence, kidnapping, and exploitation are increasing each year.
A highly repressive response from local authorities to this crisis
Indeed, the state of Texas has implemented Operation Lone Star, a program aimed at deterring migrants from crossing by installing submerged barbed wire in the Rio Grande River and increasing patrols. According to Human Rights Watch, this operation has resulted in nearly 3 deaths and 7 injuries per month since its implementation.
Healthcare personnel in the border region report higher injury rates among the migrant population. Operation Lone Star and the new 30-foot-high (approximately 9 meters) border walls have led to more severe and costly injuries. The University of El Paso Medical Center reported that 9 patients died from falls last year, while 326 people sustained serious injuries, primarily lower limb trauma.
Doctors of the World has already treated many individuals suffering from similar injuries in its border clinics. We observe many other types of injuries and illnesses that migrants have faced throughout their journey to the United States. Regardless of their origin and needs, whether it be primary care or mental health support, Doctors of the World continues to provide the care these individuals require.
Noor and her husband fled Afghanistan in search of safety
With no other choice but to flee their country due to growing insecurity, she and her husband sought refuge around the world. The family first landed in Pakistan before flying to Brazil, where Noor and her husband stayed for 5 months. The couple then continued by bus to Panama and crossed the “death jungle” (also known as the Darién) before arriving in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, where no medical, legal, or social services were available.
Last January, after crossing the border between Ciudad Juárez and El Paso, the couple arrived at the Doctors of the World clinic. Welcomed by Dr. de la Rosa, the medical director of our clinic, Noor was provided with prenatal vitamins and crucial pregnancy care, as well as information on how to reach their destination in North Carolina.
Dr. de la Rosa not only offered them medical care but also a listening ear. Faced with language barriers, our volunteer medical student Soroush stepped in and served as a Farsi-to-English interpreter, bridging the cultural gap. Noor and her husband’s journey reflects the reality of many people in search of safety, hope, and a chance to build a better future.