**Migrants in Nogales Face Growing Uncertainty Amid U.S. Election**

In the northern Mexican city of Nogales, migrants from various regions, including Latin America, Africa, and Asia, gather at shelters with hopes of entering the United States to escape economic woes and life-threatening dangers. At the House of Mercy and all Nations, one of the largest shelters near the Arizona-Mexico border, stories like that of Rosa Benalcazar highlight the dire circumstances many migrants face. Benalcazar fled Ecuador after criminal gangs threatened her family, a common situation as violence and insecurity surge in her homeland.

The migrants at this shelter are attempting to secure appointments through the U.S. government’s CBP One app, which is part of a Biden administration initiative designed to control illegal crossings. However, high demand has led to months-long wait times. Benalcazar, for instance, has been trying daily for seven months without success.

Sister Lika Macias, who directs the shelter, brought attention to the uncertainty looming over these migrants as the U.S. presidential election approaches. She noted that U.S. politics greatly influence border policies, causing concern among those waiting in Nogales. Vice President Harris has committed to upholding policies that restrict asylum for those not using the CBP One app, whereas former President Donald Trump has promised to end the app process and severely restrict legal entry.

Immigration attorney Alba Jaramillo recently addressed a group at the shelter, advising them to remain patient and ignore rampant social media rumors predicting sudden changes in U.S. policy. Jaramillo emphasized the importance of following legal processes, highlighting the dangers and disqualification risks associated with illegal border crossings, especially under current policies resulting from presidential executive actions.

Despite a significant drop in illegal crossings due to these strict policies, U.S. officials are wary that the election outcome could disrupt the current stability. A potential win by Trump might spur a rush of migrants attempting illegal entry to beat anticipated hardline measures, which include reinstating strong border controls and ramping up deportations.

At the shelter, Macias estimates that half the migrants are children who, despite the uncertainty faced by their parents, maintain normalcy through educational and recreational activities. Nonetheless, many parents, like Areli Doral from Guerrero, Mexico, remain anxious. Doral, who has waited ten months for a CBP One appointment, fears for her young son’s safety if forced to return home, where crime rates have escalated.

As the U.S. election draws near, the anxious wait continues for these migrants, many of whom see the outcome as a pivotal factor in their future and safety.