In the city of Tapachula, located in the southeastern state of Chiapas, Mexico, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) offers vital support to individuals seeking safety and refuge. For many people leaving their homes in Central and South America, Mexico becomes an important stop as some choose to stay, while others continue toward the United States.

In mid-July, JRS/USA Advocacy Officer Josh Utter visited Tapachula to meet with the JRS Mexico team and to connect with individuals participating in our legal and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services. During his visit, several people shared their migration experiences with him. We are privileged to share these stories with you in the coming months.

Paola’s Journey

Paola*, a young mother and wife, fled Honduras with her husband and three kids. After speaking out against a dangerous individual in their community, the family received threats against their lives. They knew they had to flee.

The family fled in January, first stopping in a shelter in Guatemala. They arrived at the Belen Migrant Shelter with 50 pesos and small portion of food, barely enough for one meal. Paola explained they were robbed before arriving at the shelter.

“We were there, and a friend contacted me and offered me her support, her home.” Paola said. With this support, she felt more confident about taking the risk and moving to Mexico. In Tapachula, Mexico’s Commission of Refugee Assistance (COMAR) connected Paola with JRS.

There, Paola began meeting with a lawyer and a psychologist, a two-fold approach incorporated into several JRS offices to best accompany and respond to the immediate needs of those forced to flee their homes.

Security threats, robbery, extortion, kidnappings, and loss of documents are frequent and life-threatening challenges that many migrants face as they travel through South, Central, and North America.

“I feel better, there is a change,” Paola said noting how the support from JRS has helped her build stability and rebuild her life. “I remember I was a few days from the birth of my child…[we] could only buy a package of diapers…JRS called and provided support to go to the grocery store and get enough to eat for a couple of months. It was a great blessing.”

She and her family have decided to stay in Tapachula where they have been able to establish permanent residence. But fear still looms over the family. Paola recently learned the person that forced them to flee their homes has also left Honduras and begun traveling north. She is fearful of him finding them again.

Later this fall, JRS/USA will publish a policy brief detailing JRS Mexico’s work to accompany, serve, and advocate for people seeking safety, like Paola and her family, as they journey through Mexico. The brief will also provide policy recommendation, urging the Mexican and U.S. governments to improve welcome and reception services for people seeking safety.