Each country has its laws and rules to authorize or deny the entry and stay of individuals within its territory. For various reasons and in search of better living conditions, many prefer to do everything they can to fulfill the dream of reaching the United States and end up choosing a difficult path, which is the irregular crossing of the country’s borders, mainly through Mexico, considered the most dangerous.
Cold nights and uncertainty become small difficulties compared to the dangers of the desert. During the crossing, encounters with rattlesnakes, scorpions, pumas, and coyotes are not uncommon, according to border patrol officers. They warn that many people, upon reaching the desert, end up dying from dehydration in a few hours because the intense heat requires extreme caution. Therefore, many people end up abandoned along the way. Even when they reach a point where they can seek help, it may not arrive in time. Moreover, many turn to migrant smugglers, known as “coyotes,” who offer to make the crossing in exchange for money and use clandestine routes, secondary roads, crossing rivers, and dangerous deserts. Moreover, taking these paths, also used by organized crime, increases the risk of becoming a victim of human trafficking and being recruited, robbed, or kidnapped by drug and arms traffickers.
Over 853 people, including Brazilians, died in this crossing last year.
The total number of detentions far exceeded last year’s record. Over 2.3 million detentions occurred during the fiscal year 2022.
Lawyer Ingrid Domingues McConville, who has been to the border and witnessed firsthand the troubles involved in this crossing, insists on saying: Do not risk your lives in an adventure that can be fatal. There are ways to immigrate legally that, when well planned, even if it takes a little longer, are safer and more effective. Once illegal in the country, legalization becomes much more challenging.
Lack of understanding of visas or the necessary documentation is one of the main difficulties faced by those considering living in the United States. Another common situation is that some people apply for the wrong visa to enter the country, leading to a waste of time and money, as well as facing problems with their regularization.
Therefore, the choice of paths to follow must be well thought out. Sometimes what seems easier can lead to physical, emotional, financial losses, and can be lethal.
For more information and to immigrate safely, visit https://instagram.com/dmvisalaw?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Ingrid Domingues-McConville founded DM VISA LAW – Domingues McConville, P.A. in 1995. She has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1995 and a member of the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida. Ingrid earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, and her law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in Cleveland, Ohio. With over 27 years of experience in Immigration Law, Ingrid has represented clients throughout the United States and worldwide, handling both business and family immigration matters. She has helped companies and individuals obtain visas and permanent residence in the United States. Ingrid plays a significant leadership role in the Brazilian community in South Florida and throughout the United States, providing much-needed guidance and legal advice.