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In the depths of mid-January, a 25-year-old Haitian woman embarked on a treacherous journey through a dark, icy forest near the Quebec border with her young daughter. With the temperature plummeting to around -11°C, the snow reached up to her knees as they navigated the wilderness, relying on instructions relayed via cellphone. Accompanied by four other Haitian migrants, she described the experience as “a race against time.” Following this harrowing ordeal, both mother and daughter are now seeking asylum in Canada.
A Journey of Desperation
In a series of interviews with The Canadian Press, the woman, whose identity has been kept confidential for her safety and that of her daughter, reflected on the anxieties that drove her to leave her life in the United States. Fearing the implications of Donald Trump’s immigration policies, she joined a growing number of migrants risking everything for a chance at safety in Canada.
Advocates for migrants assert that her story is increasingly commonplace. With fears intensifying about U.S. immigration reforms, many are making perilous crossings in search of refuge. The woman articulated her concerns poignantly, questioning, “Am I not human?… Why is someone so cruel and mean? Is that normal?”
The Harrowing Crossing
Before embarking on her journey, the mother was acutely aware of the risks involved. “I prepared for the worst,” she said, underscoring her determination to ensure her child’s safety. Equipped with only the essentials—boots, coats, hats, and gloves—the pair set off into the unknown, where they faced unexpected challenges. The journey, initially described as a brief 35-45 minute walk, extended into a grueling trek lasting several hours, fraught with exhaustion and uncertainty.
At one point, the group had to halt for three hours in near darkness while waiting for others to catch up. Desperate to keep her daughter warm, the mother hid in roadside hedges, sitting on the freezing snow while her child succumbed to fatigue. During this anxious wait, she reached out to Frantz André, the leader of a Montreal-based migrant support group, pleading for guidance while trying to avoid detection by border authorities. “We were so cold,” she recalled, reflecting on the dire situation.
Seeking Asylum in Canada
After finally being picked up in the early hours of the morning, the woman and her daughter were dropped off at a motel, where exhaustion took its toll. Having lived in Georgia for the past two years, she had entered the U.S. under a humanitarian parole programme initiated by President Biden, only to find herself at risk of deportation when it was rescinded by Trump’s administration. The urgency of her situation intensified as she realised she was left without legal status, leading her to seek aid from a local group and invest nearly $4,100 for their clandestine journey to Canada.
Since late December, reports indicate that at least 27 Haitian migrants have been apprehended attempting to cross into Canada, with some suffering from severe cold-related injuries. Under the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement, asylum seekers are generally required to apply for refugee status in the first safe country they reach. However, exceptions exist that allow individuals to seek asylum in Canada if they avoid detection for two weeks after crossing the border.
For the two weeks following her crossing, the mother and daughter remained hidden in a location north of Montreal. André, who has been assisting her with the asylum application process, expressed optimism about her prospects, suggesting that if all goes well, she could secure her status within two years. “For now, she can look forward to a future without fear,” he noted.
Looking Ahead
As the mother reflects on her past, she acknowledges the emotional toll of her journey. “I haven’t cried yet,” she admitted, indicating a sense of resilience amid the turmoil. With aspirations of enrolling her daughter in school and building a quiet life, she views her upcoming birthday on February 12 as a significant milestone: “I’ve already given myself my gift,” she said. “It was getting myself out of the mess I was in the United States.”
Why it Matters
The plight of this Haitian mother and many others underscores the ongoing migration crisis exacerbated by political instability and harsh immigration policies. As the world witnesses a rising tide of displaced individuals seeking safety, understanding their journeys is crucial. The stories of resilience and desperation not only highlight the human cost of political decisions but also challenge societal perceptions of migrants as they navigate treacherous paths in hope of a better future.
