Tens of thousands of asylum-seekers and their families have been kicked out of the U.S. to wait out their immigration cases under the Trump administration’s inhumane “remain in Mexico” policy—and among them are an untold number of children.
Right now, many of these children and families live in a camp near an international bridge in Matamoros, but all they hope for is something different. BuzzFeed News talked to a number of these kids, who shared their dreams about what they’d like for their future, should they get a chance to live in the U.S.
“I want to be able to work calmly and not have to do something that puts my life at risk or makes me work under the sun too long. Anything that will give me a better future,” said 9-year-old Genesis. She said she misses school, and when she grows up wants to be an attorney. Nine-year-old Valeria said, “I want to help animals. My favorite animals are dogs. I like the ones that look like wolves.”
Others said they wanted to be like the athletes they’ve seen on television. “One day I hope to have the chance to do what they did,” 14-year-old Hilary said about soccer stars Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Rosemary Lavelle. “I’m going to fight for that. In my country, it’s hard to dream like that. You have to leave in order to reach your dream. I’m never going to quit. When I want something, I fight until I get it.”
Some of the kids said they also want to help others, and become physicians. “I want to be a doctor so when my parents are sick, I can help them and also other people.” said 11-year-old Nicol. “I want to help deliver babies.” Seven-year-old Genessy said the same: “They help people and save lives.”
Currently, more than 30,000 people have been returned to Mexico, including 4,500 to “Nuevo Laredo, where mayhem is rampant and extorting migrants has become the cartel's latest income stream.” That’s 30,000 people, all with hopes and dreams and real lives, blocked by policy that exists for no other reason but inhumanity.