Their long and furry friendship is coming to an end — all because of a crisis on the Southern border.
An immigrant who befriended a squirrel in his native Venezuela, raising the rodent after nearly stepping on the creature as a baby, is expected to be separated from his bushy-tailed friend as he seeks asylum in the United States.
The man, known only as Yeison, named the squirrel NIko.
The pair were inseparable, including during the dangerous journey from Venezuela to the US border. On the way, Niko travels with Yeison’s backpack.
“I don’t want him to break up with me, because I know we will be hurt. I’m sure of that,” said 23-year-old Yeison. “And if he’s not sick, I hope he’ll be happy. And that he never forgot my face.”
Venezuelan migrant Yeison and his beloved squirrel NikoAP
Desperate steps are now being taken to allow Niko to enter the United States.AP
A breakup, however, looks increasingly likely. Yeison got the coveted appointment on Saturday to appear at the border and formally request asylum. Animals are not usually allowed to cross.
“It’s practically like starting with nothing, without Niko,” Yeison lamented.
All hope, however, is not lost for Yeison and Niko. Ayudándoles A Triunfar, a local non-governmental organization said it was working with vets to ensure Niko had received all the necessary vaccinations.
Niko stood on Yeison’s shoulder in their tent at the migrant camp. AP
“There was a bond between him and the squirrel, so much so that he would rather take him than leave the squirrel with his family in Venezuela and face the dangers that come with the migrant journey. They give each other courage,” said Ayudándoles A Triunfar, director Gladys Cañas.
During President Biden’s tenure in office, immigration has surged to the US border in record numbers. A total of 3.8 million people have found their way in since 2021.
By Postal Wire
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
