Russian migrants settle in San Ysidro Border Crossing waiting for political asylum in US

With chairs and blankets, Russian migrants arrived at the San Ysidro Border Crossing located in Tijuana, waiting for an answer regarding their political asylum in the United States status, after fleeing from the Russia-Ukraine War. Now, Russian citizens are sheltering themselves in a camp in the international San Ysidro border crossing hoping that the American […]

Por SanDiegoRed Colaborador el March 17, 2022

With chairs and blankets, Russian migrants arrived at the San Ysidro Border Crossing located in Tijuana, waiting for an answer regarding their political asylum in the United States status, after fleeing from the Russia-Ukraine War. Now, Russian citizens are sheltering themselves in a camp in the international San Ysidro border crossing hoping that the American government responds quickly like they did with Ukrainians, though everything has been different for them.

At the San Ysidro Border Crossing gate, Russian citizens fleeing from the war that their country started stated being against their government and its ideals, which is why they are looking for asylum in US soil, this was explained by Antón, Spanish and English teacher in Russia who is currently camping at the border crossing with his family.

Antón stated that he has not received any updates regarding his situation from the US and that he thinks it is illogical that Ukraine migrants can cross the border with no issue unlike Russians.

He explained that in order to arrive to Tijuana to cross to the US, they had to take three flights: from Russia to Turkey, from Turkey to Mexico City, and from Mexico City to Tijuana. They went through all this effort hoping that they can find peace and safety in another country.

At the camp, the Municipal Management to Assist Migrants (DMAM) is present carrying out tours to verify the migrants’ situation and inviting them to attend shelters so that they have a better stay while their cases are resolved.