Most people trying to seek asylum at the US southern border must request an appointment using a mobile app known as CBP One. The app has been riddled with problems and delays, leaving people stranded and waiting for appointments for months in dangerous border cities in Mexico. For some, the risk of staying in Mexico is too high and they decide to walk north across the Arizona desert.
United States
An MSF team is supporting Tucson-based nonprofit groups to bring humanitarian aid to migrants and asylum seekers crossing the US-Mexico border.
48 hours at the US-Mexico border
September 19, 2024 — MSF Project Coordinator Belen Ramirez takes us along as she works with local volunteers to provide aid to people crossing the border into the unforgiving Sonora Desert: "On some days, volunteers spend just a few minutes with asylum seekers. On other days, they can spend hours with them before US Border Patrol takes them away to their Forward Operation Base in Sasabe, and later to a detention center in Tucson where people can start the legal process for asylum. During this time, volunteers try to make people feel welcome and provide water, food, much-needed psychological first aid, and information about what comes next."
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Our work in the United States
Beginning in 2024, a small Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) team is working in Arizona alongside Tucson-based nonprofit groups to assess the medical needs of migrants and asylum seekers crossing the US-Mexico border near the Sonoran Desert, and suggest ways to build capacity for increased services and collaborations.
What's happening in the United States?
Every year, thousands of migrants and asylum seekers take the dangerous route north through the Americas to the US southern border. Many cross the border into Arizona’s Pima and Santa Cruz counties on foot via the Sonoran Desert—a remote region without shelter or basic services, and several hours away from the nearest hospital. People on the move traverse rough terrain and often in extreme weather, including freezing nighttime temperatures in winter and blazing hot temperatures and rain in the summer months. The intense conditions put people at high risk of death from various factors, including from dehydration, physical exertion, and exposure.
How we're helping in the United States
In April 2024, an MSF team worked with Tucson-based nonprofit groups to assess the medical humanitarian needs of migrants and asylum seekers crossing the southern US border into Arizona. In August 2024, we launched a project to continue this support.
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News Aug 08, 2024
MSF resumes support to local groups helping migrants in Arizona desert...
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