
Good morning, my name is Lisandro. I am originally from the state of Guerrero. I fled from my home due to the insecurity that exists today. Sadly, my uncle was killed. I had to flee with my wife and two children because they threatened to take our lives as well.
I arrived in Nogales, Sonora about four months ago, asking for asylum. Because the truth is, that cartel that threatened us is not just any cartel. They are very powerful. And I had to confront a situation that you can’t even imagine.
And I headed towards the port of entry, when a group of men intersected us, threatened us, and told us that we didn’t have the right to approach the port of entry- otherwise it would turn out very badly for us. They belonged to the mafia. This happened at the Mariposa port of entry.
This past month, September 25th, we held a peaceful march, where all the families waiting for asylum in Nogales, Sonora participated. That day, myself along with 25 other families presented ourselves at the port of entry to ask for asylum. But unfortunately, the immigration officials did not explain what was happening. We brought proof of vaccination. And that we tested negative for Covid-19.
What they did instead was to shut down the entire port of entry. And they didn’t listen to us. On the contrary, they sent in the National Guard to evacuate us from the port of entry. That we didn’t have the right to be there.
And how is it possible that President Biden has authorized in the month of November to reopen the port of entry for tourists. And what about us? It is very unfair for the U.S. government to do this to us.
We ask, as all the families, in the most respectful way, to President Biden to restore asylum. There are many children suffering. Entire families that need protection. In our home countries, we are not safe. And neither are we [safe] staying here.
President Biden, follow through on your promises that you made during your presidential campaign; where you said that you would help all immigrant families that are seeking asylum at any border or port of entry.
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