The flight to the United States

Yeison and Niko in a migrant camp in Mexico. Valerie Gonzalez/AP  

 

The flight to the United States 

Yeison and his squirrel may be forced to go their separate ways – after fleeing to the United States  

 

23-year-old Venezuelan Yeison has made it from his homeland all the way to the American border in the hope of a better life. As company, he has had his squirrel Niko - but now the two may be forced to go their separate ways, AP reports. 

 

- In practice, it would be like starting over with nothing if I am not allowed to take Niko with me, says Yeison, who, like many other migrants, is now faced with a dilemma when it comes to what or who to take with them on their flight.  

 

Yeison is one of several million Venezuelans who have fled political and economic unrest. Many of them seek asylum in the United States, but animals are generally not allowed to accompany them across the border. If Yeison doesn't manage to get Niko across the border, he thinks the squirrel will be very sad. 

 

- And if he doesn't, I hope he can be happy. And that he never forgets my face.  

 

 

Migrants at the Mexico-US border. Gregory Bull / AP  

 

US warns migrants: "Our borders are not open"  

 

Joe Biden and his administration have announced that Venezuelan refugees will be granted temporary legal status in the United States, AP reports. The announcement comes from the country's Minister of Internal Security, Alejandro Mayorkas.  

 

At the same time, he sends a clear message to illegal refugees.  

 

- Our borders are not open. People who cross our borders illegally and without legal grounds to stay will be promptly dealt with and turned away, he says.  

 

The temporary refugee status applies to 472,000 Venezuelans.

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