Tijuana: From Gateway to the American Dream to Dead End

Mexico’s Tijuana, once a thriving border city and a symbol of hope for Mexican migrants seeking the American Dream, has become a dead end. With Iran’s national football team set to be based in Tijuana for the upcoming World Cup, our reporters Laurence Cuvillier and Matthieu Comin travelled to the city to explore the impact of US President Donald Trump’s return to power on the city’s economy and migrant population.

A City in Crisis

Tijuana, located on the US-Mexico border, was once the main crossing point for Mexican migrants seeking a better life in the United States. However, with the introduction of stricter immigration policies under the Trump administration, the city has seen a significant decline in migration, leaving many without hope or a clear future.

The Human Cost

The impact of these policies can be seen in the lives of the people living in Tijuana. Many migrants who were once able to cross into the US with relative ease are now being turned back, forced to live in squalid conditions in makeshift camps. The city’s economy, which was once driven by the flow of migrants, is now struggling to survive.

• Increased unemployment: With fewer migrants crossing into the US, businesses that once catered to them are now struggling to stay afloat, leading to increased unemployment and poverty.
• Poor living conditions: Migrants who are unable to cross into the US are being forced to live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, with limited access to basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare.
• Rising crime rates: The desperation and frustration felt by migrants who are unable to cross into the US has led to an increase in crime rates, making Tijuana one of the most dangerous cities in the world.

A New Reality

The situation in Tijuana is a stark reminder of the human cost of strict immigration policies. As the city struggles to come to terms with its new reality, many are left wondering what the future holds. Will Tijuana be able to recover from the devastating impact of these policies, or will it remain a dead end for those seeking a better life?