In a recent segment from the CNN Documentary Corner, correspondent Omar Jimenez reported on the effects of President Donald Trump’s changes to immigration enforcement in southern Mexico.
During his investigation, he spoke with Cecilia Zouk, an immigrant from Guatemala traveling with her husband and two children. She had made an asylum appointment at a U.S. port of entry using the Customs and Border Protection app, CBP One. However, about 15 days after submitting her application, her appointment was canceled. When asked if she still planned to go to the United States, Zouk, through an interpreter, expressed that she was waiting for Trump to leave office.
“We’re waiting for the president to leave,” she said, adding, “My dream is to accomplish something for my children. I won’t return home until I’ve succeeded.”
Jimenez probed further, asking why she couldn’t achieve her dreams in Guatemala. Zouk responded, “Well, because there’s a huge shortage of jobs.”
That moment really highlighted a lot.
“We’re just waiting for the president to leave.” I met a woman who intended to go to the U.S. but had her CBP One appointment annulled due to Trump’s inauguration. Now, she’s waiting. “Then I’ll try again.” pic.twitter.com/H8Q36HZtDX
— Omar Jimenez (@OmarJimenez) March 30, 2026
Zouk’s perspective might be more insightful than that of many Americans regarding how U.S. immigration policy functions. Some might view voting for the Democratic Party as supporting individuals like Zouk, who are perceived to benefit from these policies. Zouk exemplifies a standard asylum seeker, not fleeing genocide or oppression but escaping a poor economic situation in her country.
The U.S. grapples with its own challenges linked to both legal and illegal immigration. Issues like housing shortages drive up prices and create competition for jobs that could be allocated to American citizens. Evidence of this economic strain can be observed in rising welfare utilization rates, recently reported by the Center for Immigration Studies.
Statistics show that 53% of households headed by any immigrants utilized major welfare programs. In contrast, the rate for U.S.-born households is 37%, and it climbs to 61% for households led by illegal immigrants.
Mass immigration has arguably been a significant factor in the decline of America’s middle class.
Zouk’s eagerness to wait reflects a belief that things will improve for her, despite the current obstacles. She embodies a group of economic migrants who view U.S. immigration policy as fluctuating depending on who is in power. Democratic administrations often broaden entry channels, while Republican ones tighten restrictions and cancel appointments.
Those already engaged in the process, like Zouk, aren’t packing up; instead, they’re settling in and waiting in shelters throughout southern Mexico. Jimenez’s reporting captures this reality. When the political climate shifts back, it’s likely that a return to previous processing methods will occur, turning temporary measures into long-term demographic shifts.
🚨BREAKING: A judge rules that President Trump must restore the legal status of 900,000 immigrants ordered to leave the country via the CBP Home app. This is a betrayal to the country and promotes an invasion. pic.twitter.com/HqMymKbz8v
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 1, 2026
This cycle appears to be the trajectory for America’s future. Each Democratic administration tends to increase the immigrant population, while Republican leadership usually makes cuts, but it hardly makes a dent in overall gains. Delays, sanctuary policies, and family ties contribute to the persistence of noncitizen populations. This rising demographic of immigrants demands more resources, leading to increased tax loads for American-born workers and straining local infrastructure like schools and hospitals.
Zouk’s mindset exemplifies this adaptation, with her aspirations intricately tied to what she believes is achievable in the U.S., rather than what is possible in Guatemala. Many share her sentiment, viewing the United States as a destination where barriers to economic opportunity seem to disappear.
This ongoing situation presents significant challenges for the nation, potentially undermining what many value about American society. Although Trump’s administration has made some strides in addressing deportations, the core cycle that governs immigration policy seems steadfast.
