**Tijuana Residents Cross Border to Vote in U.S. Elections**
On Tuesday, American citizens residing in Tijuana crossed the border to cast their votes in the United States presidential elections. Despite the lengthy queues at the border dissuading some from voting, many were determined to fulfill their civic duty.
Santiago Vázquez, a Tijuana resident who works daily in the U.S., expressed his hope that his vote would contribute to positive changes in the neighboring country. Vázquez, who enjoys dual citizenship, relishes the chance to vote in both countries. He remarked, “I feel lucky to experience the best of both worlds: seeing how taxes are used wisely on one side, while witnessing mismanagement on the other.”
Manuel Fisher, who voted early by mail last Friday, shared the significance of this election for him, as he became an American citizen earlier this year after being a resident for over 15 years. Fisher emphasized the importance of voting responsibly and aspired for solutions to immigration issues and environmental challenges such as the pollution in the Tijuana River.
However, not all were able to participate. Alejandro Guzmán Mejía admitted he couldn’t register on time and was discouraged by the lengthy waiting lines. He mentioned his intention to vote for Trump, citing concerns over high taxes and government support for those he perceives as unwilling to work.
**Increase in Humanitarian Asylum Applications Amid U.S. Election Climate**
In related news, there has been a reported 30% increase in humanitarian asylum advice requests in the U.S., a development linked to the potential victory of Trump in the ongoing presidential elections. This surge reflects growing concerns among immigrants about policy changes that could affect their status.
Moreover, the fluctuating U.S. political landscape has impacted local industries, with a decline in job vacancies being partially attributed to election uncertainties. In a parallel narrative, the Binational Friendship Park, a symbol of cross-border unity, marked its 53rd anniversary amidst heightened security measures that hinder familial gatherings across the border.
Local communities continue to grapple with various challenges, from educational funding shortages causing school shutdowns to the efforts of local governance in improving traffic flow by synchronizing traffic lights.
Meanwhile, Baja California citizens face administrative hurdles, with over 182,000 residents needing to renew their identification credentials promptly. These stories underscore the interconnected impacts of the U.S. elections on both sides of the border.