Trump realities drive migrants to reroute their American Dream
CNN
Six months ago Francisco Fortín was attacked by gangs wielding machetes in his home country of Honduras, he said, an act of violence that cemented a decision to quit his impoverished and trouble-plagued homeland.
Six months ago Francisco Fortín was attacked by gangs wielding machetes in his home country of Honduras, he said, an act of violence that cemented a decision to quit his impoverished and trouble-plagued homeland. Last Sunday, with wounds on his chest, leg and back healing, he and his partner Annie finally left and crossed into Guatemala. They had wanted to go to the United States to work. But now, things have changed. Watching the news of immigration enforcement and deportations, Fortín told CNN, it seemed there were no longer opportunities in the US. The couple reached Guatemala City on Tuesday. They said they have no money left and so will walk towards the border with Mexico, staying at shelters along the way — an estimated 11-day trek. Asked if their final destination of the US was off the table, Fortín replied: “The destination is wherever we can work.” Migrants interviewed by CNN in Guatemala City – from Venezuela, Colombia, Honduras, Sierra Leone and Cameroon – echoed that sentiment. While they dreamed to be in the US, some joining family there, the action by the Trump administration was causing them to think again.
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