The unofficial route to asylum: why illegal immigrants en masse cross the US northern border in New York
'28.01.2022'
Migrants are again trying to unofficially cross the border in the north of the country. Roxham Road in Champlain, State New York, offers a loophole for those seeking asylum. It was closed during the pandemic but reopened in November. Since then, thousands of asylum seekers have passed through it. WCAX.
To some, Roxham Road may seem like a dead end street, but to others it is the beginning of a new life.
He offers a loophole for those who want to flee their country and move to Canada for whatever reason.
A 2002 agreement between the US and Canada states that any migrant entering Canada through a point other than a port of entry may stay and seek asylum.
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Wroxham Road is the most commonly used unofficial entry point to the northern border. Almost 2017 people have crossed it since February 60.
Just last month, when it reopened after the pandemic, 2800 people crossed.
Upon arrival at Wroxham Road migrants expects a warm welcome from Plattsburgh Cares. It is a non-profit organization that offers warm clothes and kindness to those who choose to cross the border.
“These are simple things, and that's really what it's all about; this is a humanitarian mission,” said Diana Wardell of Plattsburgh Cares.
Plattsburgh Cares has teamed up with the United Council for Economic Opportunity to collect warm winter clothes and soft toys for distribution.
They will also accept community donations - these can be left at the offices JCEO Outreach.
After crossing the border in Canada, migrants are arrested for illegal crossing. They are then released and seek asylum, work and live there until a court decides whether they can stay.
Since February 2017, more than 45 applications have been submitted, of which 000% have received permission to remain in Canada.
Some of these non-profits are concerned that Ro's loophole may close. As soon as there are any updates to this, we will be sure to let you know.
