### Migrants in Tijuana Turn to Informal Work Due to Lack of Humanitarian Visa Renewal
**Tijuana, September 7, 2024** – A significant number of migrants in Tijuana are being forced into informal employment due to the non-renewal of the Humanitarian Visa (TVRH). Claudia Portela, administrator of the Desayunador Salesiano Padre Chava project, noted that many migrants have been deprived of their formal jobs as a result.
Ernesto, a young Salvadoran, shared his experience. He previously worked as a truck driver in Tijuana but lost his job after failing to renew his TVRH. Despite fulfilling the necessary job requirements, his lack of residency has left him unable to find other formal employment. Now, he works as a security guard.
“Many people move around the country using this card, but all I want to do is work and stay here,” stated Ernesto, who expressed frustration at his inability to obtain a stable job despite multiple attempts.
The Mexican Refugee Aid Commission (Comar) provides temporary shelter certificates, but these are not recognized as official documents by the Tax Administration Service (SAT), further complicating migrants’ ability to secure employment.
Claudia Portela emphasized the severe implications of not renewing the TVRH: “People lose their right to health, dignified work, and financial services. This only makes them more vulnerable.”
Migrants have increasingly turned to informal labor, which lacks job security and legal benefits. Women, particularly, have been forced into occupations with significant risks, such as sex work. This predicament also exposes them to police exploitation, where officers allegedly demand bribes due to lack of identification.
Portela urged authorities to expedite the processing of these visas to protect the migrants’ rights and ensure they can integrate successfully into society.
### Additional News: Heightened Vulnerability Amongst Migrants in Tijuana
**Tijuana, September 2024** – Migrants in Tijuana face heightened vulnerability due to ongoing issues with the renewal of their Humanitarian Visas (TVRH). Authorities have been criticized for only issuing temporary certificates, which are not recognized by many agencies, leading to elevated risks for the migrant population.
A local legal clinic has managed to secure legal protections for some migrants, allowing them to renew their TVRH. This year, Rose Michelle, who reached Tijuana two years ago, successfully obtained her permanent residency. Previously holding the TVRH twice for a year each, she faced job refusals due to not having permanent residency.
Advocates call on Mexican authorities to streamline the visa process, highlighting that many migrants seek stability and wish to rebuild their lives in Tijuana.
Recent reports indicate that the challenges faced by migrants have become acute, with dire economic conditions forcing them into high-risk and informal jobs. The community is pushing for quicker and more efficient solutions to ensure that the migrants’ integration efforts are not thwarted.
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