Haitian migrants stuck in Mexico

Refugees from Haiti are among many attempting to reach the US to start a new life, but who instead find themselves trapped in the southern Mexican city of Tapachula.

For weeks, they have crossed mountains and jungles, been attacked by bandits and risked drowning, only to find their progress blocked before they reach the border.

The deadly earthquake of 2010 in Haiti, left 200,000 dead and many more homeless. Thousands of Haitians left the country for Chile, after having been invited by its president.

Murat Tilus: "After the 2010 earthquake my house fell, my family died, there is nothing. Then I took the initiative with my wife to go to another country. The president of Chile opened the door for everyone to come to Chile, then I went to Chile to do something new."

But in 2018, the Chilean government imposed stricter measures on immigrants, making their lives harder.

From there, many were encouraged by family and friends living in the US and set off in search of the American dream. But having crossed 10 countries, they find themselves stuck, waiting for their refugee papers in Mexico.

The most dangerous part of the journey north is between Colombia and Panama, an area full of armed gangs and drug traffickers, and where many drowned crossing the fast flowing river.

Samuel is just 11. He escaped Haiti along with his mother and sister, following the murder of a brother.

Samuel Camille: "When we passed through the jungle and we arrived in Panama, not in the city but where the mountain of Panama was, there we crossed the river and people died there. The river was very strong."

So far this year, the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance has arranged 77, 559 permits for migrants but, there's still a long waiting list.

Most refugees want to enter the States legally, but some are so desperate they try to cross the border illegally. For others, including Samuel, it is a journey they wish they had never started.

View Less