Russian migrants feel safer in Tijuana than in their country

Three flights from Russia several Russian migrants fleeing from their country have taken after the Russia-Ukraine war looking for the American dream. They have stated, however, that this was not what they had in mind, but conflicts in their country had forced to look for a better life. Such is the case with Antón, a 27-year-old man of Russian origin currently camping at the San Ysidro Border Crossing located in Tijuana.

Antón is a Spanish and English teacher in Russia, who took three flights to look for the American dream: from Russia to Turkey, from Turkey to Mexico City, and from Mexico City to Tijuana. Despite being at the San Ysidro Border Crossing, he feels less scared here than in Russia.

Unlike those who think the American dream implies a better quality of life regarding their personal economy, for Russian migrants the American dream is more security, protection, and to be in a country free of war, since it is safety what they are looking for in the US.

Currently, Antón is the only Russian who speaks Spanish in a group of approximately 20 people, since he was a Spanish and English Language teacher in a St. Petersburgh school, and he’s been the link that has helped communication flow between both Mexican and American authorities.

At the same time, in the camp, there are families with minors who, with chairs and blankets, play in the sun in the streets. One can also see the help they have been receiving from non-profit civil organizations, who have brought them food and hygiene items so that they can improve their quality of life while they stay in the camp.

Video: US hasn’t responded to Russian migrants