More than 4.1 million refugees have fled the war zone since Russia invaded Ukraine. Many came to Tijuana hoping to get asylum in the United States. A photo essay by BowlersDesk on the plight of the Ukrainian refugees.
Hundreds of Ukrainian war refugees camp out at this Tijuana bus stop near the San Ysidro Port of Entry while they wait in line for the chance to claim asylum in the United States, April 4, 2022.More than 4.1 million refugees have fled the war zone since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Many came to Tijuana hoping to get asylum in the United States. So far, more than 3,000 Ukrainians have crossed through the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry.
For one family, their long journey is almost done. They are next in line at the San Ysidro PedEast entrance.In the foreground a new chain link fence near the Tijuana side of the San Ysidro Port of Entry, behind that regular border crossers, and in the background are Ukrainian war refugees waiting for their chance to claim asylum in the United States, April 4, 2022.
Others are living in this Tijuana recreation center called the"Unidad Deportiva Benito Juárez." Sleeping mats have been placed on the basketball court, one next to the other, making beds for up to 600 Ukrainians fleeing the war.