Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico – February 7, 2026 – The majority of migrants currently in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, have been in Mexico for over six months, many finding themselves stranded after the cancellation of the CBP One system for requesting asylum in the United States, effective January 20, 2025. Despite this prolonged stay, nearly half of them continue to reside in shelters or with family and acquaintances, according to a recent survey conducted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Migrant Demographics and Living Situations
Between July and December of last year, the IOM surveyed 272 foreign nationals in migrant care centers, public spaces, and shelters. The majority of those surveyed were from Venezuela, Honduras, and Guatemala, followed by individuals from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, and El Salvador. The survey revealed that 48 percent of these migrants traveled alone, 47 percent with family members, and 5 percent with others.
The results indicated varying living arrangements among the stranded population:
- 39 percent reported living in a shelter.
- 6 percent were staying with family or acquaintances.
- 49 percent had managed to rent a room.
Lack of Documentation and Failed Asylum Attempts
A significant challenge for these migrants is their irregular migratory status in Mexico. 82 percent stated they did not possess documents regularizing their situation. A smaller percentage held various forms of documentation:
- 10 percent had a Permanent Resident Card.
- 3 percent held a Humanitarian Visitor Card.
- 2 percent had a Multiple Migratory Form.
- 2 percent possessed a Temporary Resident Card.
- 1 percent had a Regional Visitor Card.
Of the total surveyed, 62 percent reported attempting to obtain an appointment through CBP One. While 30 percent of these individuals successfully secured a date to enter the United States, they were ultimately unable to proceed due to the tightening of policies under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Prioritized Needs and Future Plans
The survey also highlighted the most pressing needs of the migrant population in Ciudad Juárez:
- 75 percent require income generation.
- 36 percent need food and nutrition.
- 33 percent seek assistance with obtaining documents.
- 32 percent require legal assistance.
- 20 percent are in need of accommodation.
- 14 percent prioritize security.
- 14 percent require transportation.
Regarding their immediate migratory plans, the majority expressed an intention to remain in their current location:
- 67 percent considered staying in Ciudad Juárez.
- 15 percent aimed to return to their country of origin or habitual residence.
- 8 percent still sought to reach the United States.
- 6 percent planned to relocate to another area within Mexico.
Employment Status
The employment situation among the surveyed migrants also varied:
- 45 percent were unemployed but actively seeking work.
- 16 percent were inactive, with no intention of finding employment.
- 23 percent were in salaried employment.
- 16 percent were self-employed.
The prolonged stay of these migrants in Ciudad Juárez underscores the ongoing humanitarian challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border, exacerbated by evolving immigration policies and the suspension of key asylum processing mechanisms.
