Russians find asylum lifeline to US, but at a high price

Published December 15, 2022 10:24 pm

By ELLIOT SPAGAT
Associated Press

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (AP) — The pastor of a San Diego-area church promises to arrange entry to the United States for Russian-speaking asylum-seekers through connections with U.S. officials and unnamed “opportunists” who guarantee customers’ safety in Mexico. His website advertises prices up to $3,500 for a married couple. Asylum is supposed to be free and for those most in need – not to mention that many have been unable to even ask for protection under Trump-era restrictions that are set to expire Dec. 21. A city of Tijuana official says Phil Metzger’s Calvary Church gets through 40 asylum-seekers a day in San Diego.

Article Topic Follows: AP National News

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