The story follows the journey of Gueva Ba, a former welder from Senegal, who attempted to reach Europe by boat multiple times before hearing about a new route to the United States through Nicaragua. Ba paid approximately $10,000 to travel to Nicaragua via Morocco, Spain, and El Salvador. Despite being deported along with 131 compatriots after two months in detention, thousands of Senegalese migrants have successfully made their way to the U.S., with many relying on social networks and travel agents who are familiar with the route.
The surge in migration to the United States is notable for its size and scope, with individuals from various distant countries attempting to cross the border. Arrests for illegal crossings reached record highs, with Senegalese migrants accounting for a significant portion of these arrests. The increase in migration is attributed to social media dissemination of information about new routes, such as the one through Nicaragua, which bypasses the dangerous Darien Gap in Panama.
The Nicaraguan government’s response to the influx of migrants has been mixed. While the government has implemented measures to manage immigration, such as hiring a Dubai-based firm to train civil aviation, the State Department has urged Nicaragua to play a responsible role in managing migration. Meanwhile, El Salvador has imposed fees on citizens of certain countries transiting through its airport, causing airfares from Senegal to rise.
Despite the challenges and risks involved in the journey, migrants like Ousmane Anne, who spent a month traveling to the U.S. through Mexico, remain hopeful about the opportunities awaiting them in America. Anne, like many others, has found support within the Senegalese community in New York, where he attended forums to learn about U.S. law and navigate various aspects of life in America. Despite the uncertainties, migrants like Anne continue to hold onto hope for a better future in the United States.
