Number of families seeking asylum into the U.S. doubles in San Luis

The number of families waiting to seek asylum into the United States has doubled since December from 50 families to more than 100 families in San Luis, Sonora.

Among those anxiously waiting their turn is Gerbet, who left his country of Chiapas and arrived in San Luis back in December. When he first arrived he was number 102 on the waiting list and now he is number 48.

“As of yesterday when I counted there are over 100 families waiting in line. We all get a number and if you have a number that’s over 100 you are guaranteed to wait more than a month and possibly even two months,” said Gerbet from Chiapas.

85 percent of those waiting in line to seek asylum are from Mexico including Mexico City, Chiapas, Guerrero, and even Michoacan. Others waiting in line are from Central American countries, Cuba, and even Africa.

We reached out to Border Patrol to find out if there is a direct impact on processing due to the shutdown but they were not available for comment due to the government shutdown.