Mexico City, Mexico, July 1, 2021 – The data collected during the first months of operation of InfoDigna—A digital platform supported by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) —have revealed the most relevant requests for information and services from people awaiting migration processes along the US-Mexico border.

Trends identified by InfoDigna have shown that the needs of people along the US-Mexico border are primarily focused on:

• Availability of updated information. The section most visited by users was News (30%), followed by migration guides (20%) and a service directory (16%). Among the most viewed articles were those related to the following cases: MPP (before policy cancellation); definition of asylum and criteria; the asylum decree signed by President Biden; and migration regularization through family reunification.
• Access to legal services. More than half of the cases held by InfoDigna moderators fell into this category, with 55% reaching out for guidance or access to services related to legal processes.
• Access to orientation on immigration. People mostly sought information on how to legally immigrate to the United States, with 27.3% of cases, while only 2.4% requested information to go through a process in Mexico.

Raymundo Tamayo, IRC Country Director for Mexico, said: “Misinformation is one of the main dangers that migrants, asylum seekers and refugees face when traveling to seek safety. Clear communication and reliable sources of information about their security and service options can empower them to make informed and critical decisions about the issues that matter most to them.

“With InfoDigna, we strive to provide access to accurate and timely information, which is particularly critical for vulnerable populations living in crisis, fleeing conflict, experiencing the effects of a disaster or at risk of harm. public health problem, such as COVID-19. ”

During the first five months of the year, InfoDigna received more than 11,000 visits and 1,700 user requests for direct support, provided by the moderators of the platform. Based on user requests, InfoDigna specialists have identified that:

• The main country of origin was Cuba, with 33% of users. Honduras was second with 24.5% and Haiti third with 18.5%.
• 33% of users were women traveling alone. Men traveling alone accounted for 52% of users, while families and women traveling with children each accounted for 7% of total users.
• Most people sought asylum in the United States, with 76% of cases. Migrants still on the move made up 15.7% of users, while other migratory conditions were less common, including refugees and asylum seekers in Mexico.

To date, InfoDigna has brought direct attention to over 4,700 people on the go, with a 98% satisfaction rate among users, most living along the US-MX border.

InfoDigna, which is part of the Global Signpost project, is designed to support migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Mexico. Between January and May 2021, InfoDigna mainly supported users in Ciudad Juárez and other northern cities, although the service will be extended to the rest of the country in the coming months. On the platform, users can find answers to multiple questions and get reliable information that helps them reduce the risks they face on a daily basis. The platform includes a two-way communication feature, where a team of trained moderators provide support tailored to people’s needs, either through chat or through the messaging app on the Facebook page.

InfoDigna compiles information and maps the services provided by nearly 300 organizations to cover a wide list of needs, including housing and shelter; health care; Prevention and response to COVID-19; legal support; human rights; identification and documentation procedures; and more.

IRC in Mexico
In 2021, IRC is expanding its response to the migration crisis to ten cities on the southern and northern borders of Mexico, as well as Mexico City. IRC’s programs provide a rapid and comprehensive response to the most urgent needs of people on the move, including prevention and protection against gender-based violence; response to COVID-19; economic recovery and development; child protection services; mental and psychosocial support; cultural orientation; support for comprehensive protection; and access to critical and reliable information.