Migrants’ Routes to the US: the Darién Gap and the Brazilian Amazon

In the first five months of this year, over 170,000 people, including tens of thousands of unaccompanied children, crossed the Darién Gap, an infamous jungle pass in Panama, heading towards the United States. The majority of migrants came from Venezuela, with others hailing from various South American countries, as well as China, India, and Iran. In 2023, more than half a million migrants crossed this dense jungle region. According to the UNHCR, the Darién Gap has become a severe humanitarian problem, with 65% of refugees and migrants reporting theft, fraud, or deception, and 70% experiencing mistreatment or abuse during the journey through the jungle. Panama’s new president, José Raúl Mulino, has pledged to work with the U.S. government to reduce illegal immigration.

Migrants, police, officials, and analysts have stated that the actions of the Biden administration, including the introduction of a new temporary suspension of asylum applications at the U.S.-Mexico border, have caused concern and anticipation among migrants in Brazil who were heading towards the U.S. During the first part of this year, Brazil witnessed an influx of migrants heading to North America. These migrants included Venezuelans, Indians, Bengalis, Senegalese, and Nigerians. Citizens of South American countries have an easier time in Brazil as it allows residents of 10 neighboring countries to stay without a visa for up to two years.