Surge in Mauritanian Migration to US via Nicaragua Fueled by Social Media
CINCINNATI – A wave of Mauritanian migrants has been making its way to the United States in recent months, thanks in large part to social media. The newfound popularity of a new migration route through Nicaragua has allowed hundreds of Mauritanians to embark on the journey to the US, with TikTok and WhatsApp playing a significant role in spreading the word.
The route through Nicaragua gained attention earlier this year due to its relaxed entry requirements, allowing Mauritanians and other foreign nationals to purchase a low-cost visa without proof of onward travel. Travel agencies and paid influencers on TikTok have capitalized on this, promoting packages of flights that connect through Turkey, Colombia, El Salvador, and eventually lead to Managua, Nicaragua. From there, migrants, including asylum seekers from other countries, are assisted by smugglers as they continue their journey north by bus.
The migration surge has taken officials in the US by surprise. From March to June, over 8,500 Mauritanians arrived in the country by crossing the border illegally from Mexico, a significant increase compared to the 1,000 who arrived in the preceding four months, according to US Customs and Border Protection data. These new arrivals likely outnumber the estimated 8,000 foreign-born Mauritanians already living in the US, with approximately half of them residing in Ohio.
Many Mauritanians are leaving their country due to racial tensions and state violence against Black Mauritanians. The death of Oumar Diop, a young Black man, while in police custody in May, further increased tensions. The government responded with force, suppressing protests and cutting off the country’s mobile internet. Some Mauritanians who spoke to the Associated Press claimed they were targeted by the police due to their anti-slavery activism.
Previously, Mauritanians seeking asylum in the US had to fly to Brazil and endure a dangerous trek through the dense jungle of the Darien Gap. The new route through Nicaragua bypasses this perilous journey, making it an attractive option for many. The trip, however, can cost between $8,000 and $10,000, a hefty sum that some families manage by selling land or livestock.
The Nicaragua route also offers migrants the chance to avoid the treacherous boat voyages to Europe that have claimed thousands of lives in recent years. Authorities in both Mauritania and Spain have cracked down on boats crossing the Atlantic to Spain’s Canary Islands, resulting in migrants being intercepted after attempting to cross the Mediterranean from North Africa. Flying to Nicaragua is a legal option, and the remainder of the journey is completed on land, making it an appealing choice for those who wish to leave Africa.
While the new migration route presents a rare opportunity for those seeking a better life, some who have followed it express disappointment and frustration. Reports of potential dangers and a harsh reality awaiting them in the US have left some feeling misled. This month, a bus carrying migrants in Mexico crashed, resulting in the deaths of 18 people, including one Mauritanian. Others have fallen victim to robbery and dehydration along the way.
Despite the challenges, Mauritanians continue to make their way to the US, with many entering through Yuma, Arizona. Some are dropped off on a Mexican highway by smugglers and then embark on a two-hour walk through a river and desert before surrendering to Border Patrol agents. The process of detention and screening can take hours or even days, and they may be released to await a court date or held in detention for weeks or deported back to Mauritania.
Human rights groups have urged the Biden administration to grant Temporary Protected Status to Mauritanians, citing reports of abuse against Black residents who are deported after fleeing. Those who are able to enter the US are often connected with advocates who provide support with housing and transportation.
In Ohio, particularly in Cincinnati, a small but vibrant Mauritanian community has emerged to welcome and assist new arrivals. Volunteers, led by long-time resident Oumar Ball, help with paperwork and provide support as migrants adjust to their new lives. Despite the difficulties they face, many Mauritanians express gratitude for the warm welcome and hope they have received from their community in Cincinnati.
As the trend of Mauritanian migration via Nicaragua continues, it highlights the power of social media in shaping migration patterns and providing hope for a better future.
Original Story at www.voanews.com – 2023-08-19 05:03:29
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