Desperation at the Border

Findings and Recommendations from a Monitoring Visit to Arizona and Sonora, Mexico

In April 2024, the Women’s Refugee Commission visited Arizona and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, to assess current conditions for people seeking asylum at the US-Mexico border. Based on observations and meetings with local officials, nonprofit organization staff, and people seeking asylum, WRC found that the asylum ban continues to create serious hardship for people waiting in Mexico and provide the following recommendations:

1. The Biden administration should rescind the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule and ensure equitable access to asylum.
2. CBP must ensure that families are processed together at every stage, including during transportation to Border Patrol stations and facilities.
3. DHS should increase the number of daily CBP One appointments and make the app available in more languages.
4. All levels of government must work to prevent medical emergencies and loss of life in remote areas where migrants cross.
5. CBP should consistently coordinate with humanitarian organizations aiding migrants.
6. Congress should increase its investment in local governments and nonprofits providing immediate aid.