A wave of migration led by Cubans is causing a state of emergency in Costa Rica

President Rodrigo Chávez of Costa Rica has declared a state of emergency in his country due to the ongoing migration crisis. Thousands of irregular migrants, mostly Cubans, arrive in Costa Rica every day to continue their journey to the southern border of the United States. Presidential Vice Minister Jorge Rodriguez commented on the topic. “The number of arrivals exceeds the institutional capacity to care for them.” Costa Rica is a mandatory stop for migrants who “climb” country by country until they reach US soil and seek asylum there. For Cubans, they fly visa-free to Nicaragua and then travel throughout Central America.

In September alone, more than 60,000 undocumented immigrants passed through Paso Canoas, according to official data released by Costa Rican immigration officials. The site borders Panama and the majority come from Cuba, Haiti and Venezuela.

The crisis intensified last August. During that month, around 2,700 people crossed the stretch daily, three times the number recorded in July.

Officials have a platform

The deputy minister of the government has warned about the current situation. “Everything this creates in terms of demand for services, waste generation and operating conditions is a huge pressure on society.”

Such a panorama is jointly addressed by government officials and agencies specializing in immigration issues. But what is the main purpose of imposing a state of emergency?

According to this figure the government now has special powers. It has the option of authorizing additional resources and allocating them to communities most affected by waves of migration, without consulting the legislative branch.

A similar situation prevails in Panama today. About 390,000 people have crossed the dangerous Darien Forest so far this year, immigration officials said.