Migrants in Mexico lament Trump immigration ban

As the sun sets in the distance, all migrants can do along the U.S.-Mexican border in Ciudad Juarez is watch on through the fence.

Mothers clutch their children, others hold their paperwork tightly waiting, hoping they will be able to work in the United States.

But U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday (April 21) that he will suspend legal immigration into the United States applying to migrants seeking permanent residency.

Venezuelan migrant Romer Sanchez believes U.S. authorities are using the pandemic as an excuse to push an anti-migration policy.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) VENEZUELAN MIGRANT, ROMER SANCHEZ, SAYING:

If one takes the corresponding measures (to stop the virus), then I don't think (it will be a problem). This (pandemic) is being used just to close the border and immigration."

Ciudad Juarez is ground zero for the Trump administration's 'Remain in Mexico' policy which sends asylum seekers to Mexico to await their U.S. hearings.

Migrants fear they will have to wait longer for their cases to be heard.

(SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) ANONYMOUS BRAZILIAN MIGRANT, SAYING:

"It's bad for us migrants because we don't have any money. It's a difficult situation, there is no way to get by without money. I've been here many months, there is no money."

In migrant shelters, many also fear the spread of coronavirus with very few equipped to handle a pandemic.

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