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Sept. 20, 2021, 2:20 p.m.

Thousands of Haitian migrants camp at Texas border as authorities ramp up relief

Summary

Over the last several days a crowd of migrants awaiting U.S. processing outside a Texas border community has grown to more than 10,000. The migrants, mostly from Haiti, have been sheltering under a major bridge as the Biden administration tries to speed up processing. Washington Post reporter Arelis Hernández joins Amna Nawaz from Del Rio, Texas to discuss the scene.

Five Facts

  • Who has gathered at the border in unsafe conditions and where are they from, according to this piece?
  • What are some of the dangerous conditions described in this piece?
  • When did these migrants begin the journey to the U.S.-Mexico border?
  • Why have these migrants made the journey, according to the reporter interviewed here?
  • How is the U.S. government and other authorities responding to the large gathering of migrants?

Focus Questions

  1. Why do you think mostly Haitian immigrants made the long and dangerous journey from Haiti through Mexico to the border? Do you think there are or should be better ways to apply for asylum?
  2. Who do you think should take responsibility for the health and safety of these thousands of migrants?
Media literacy: Why do you think the audience didn't hear directly from one of the migrants described in this piece?

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