Mexico to close Ukrainian refugee camp

Ever since the start of the war in Europe, the UN says 6.5 million Ukrainian citizens have fled the conflict. Thanks to its position bordering the U.S., Mexico has become a popular destination for refugees from the war-stricken Eastern European country.

There has been pushback, however, with a refugee camp in the heavily populated east of Mexico City set to close this week. Migrants still in Europe have now been discouraged from traveling to Mexico, as local authorities report they no longer have the capability to offer them shelter. 

Of the over 1,000 Ukrainian migrants settled in the Mexico City camp — mostly women and children — only 120 remain. These civilians are expected to be taken in by Washington authorities in a few days, NGO United with Ukraine director Vlad Fedoryshy said.

Local organizations also stated that Ukrainians still in Europe should fulfill their migrant registration requirements first to avoid wasting money and effort when traveling to Mexico. To be accepted in the U.S-Ukraine support program announced on April 21, civilians must have proof of U.S. sponsorship (both from family or organizations) and Covid-19 vaccines. Now, the risk of being expelled increases.

Mexico’s inability to accept new refugees relies heavily on the fact that the country has to deal with its own migration flow within the borders, especially from people departing Latin American countries and using Mexico as a corridor to enter the U.S. illegally.

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