As the US presidential inauguration approaches, thousands of migrants journeying to the US-Mexico border face mounting challenges and uncertainty. Among them is Altagracia, a 39-year-old Honduran woman who fled her home in October after gang violence claimed the lives of several family members. Her goal is twofold: seeking asylum in the United States and reuniting with her children already living there.

Altagracia’s determination intensified when Donald Trump, known for his hardline stance on immigration, was elected president. Speaking from a shelter in Oaxaca, Mexico, she explained her urgency. “We’ve been told that when Trump starts, he won’t let us in,” she said, reflecting the fears shared by many migrants. Trump has pledged to initiate mass deportations and seal the border on his first day in office, leaving those en route racing against the clock.

The migrant experience is fraught with danger. Altagracia recounted harrowing moments of being robbed by cartels, leaving her family reliant on shelters and charitable aid. Similarly, a Venezuelan migrant expressed fears about deportation under Trump but emphasized that returning home to political and economic instability was not an option. Meanwhile, a Cuban migrant voiced hope that degrees and skills among migrants could benefit the US economy, appealing for understanding from the incoming administration.

Experts argue that migration flows are driven more by dire conditions in home countries than by US immigration policies. Lee Gelernt of the ACLU emphasized that desperation compels individuals to flee regardless of the challenges ahead. George Mason University’s Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera noted that the current decline in border crossings may stem from Mexico’s increased cooperation with the US rather than solely from Trump’s rhetoric.

Mexico has taken proactive measures, including building shelters for deportees and conducting significant anti-drug operations. However, the prospect of mass deportations remains daunting. For migrants like Altagracia, the journey is a test of resilience. “Tonight, we walk 14 hours,” she said. “There’s no time to give up.”

As Trump’s inauguration looms, the migrants’ stories highlight the complex interplay of politics, policy, and human perseverance at the border. Their plight underscores the urgent need for humane and practical immigration solutions.