FERN | Photographs by Lexie

The majority of people entering Mexico with a view to seeking asylum in North America will pass through Chiapas. Many migrants take up farm work own order to pay their way while they are waiting for permission to travel north through the country. These images were shot as part of an assignment for the Food & Environment Reporting Network in 2022.

Tapachula, Mexico, 10 March 2022, Jones sits outside his small apartment one evening.

Tapachula, Mexico, 10 March 2022, Jones’ neighbors visit a small shop opposite Jones’ apartment one evening. The shop was a central meeting place for his neighbours to socialize.

Tapachula, Mexico, 10 March 2022, a child visits the small shop opposite Jones’ apartment. The shop offered a central meeting place for his neighbors to socialize.

Tapachula, Mexico, 10 March 2022, a man holds his passport whilst standing in a crush of bodies outside the Mexican National Institute for Migration.

Tapachula, Mexico, 10 March 2022, migrants wait outside the Mexican National Institute for Migration. Many waited for hours in the hope of being seen.

Tapachula, Mexico, 10 March 2022, migrants wave passports and papers outside a closed office for the Mexican National Institute for Migration. Many had stood for hours in the hot sun. Occasionally the crowd would surge towards the fence, seemingly trying to bring it down.Tapachula, Mexico, 10 March 2022, migrants wave passports and papers outside a closed office for the Mexican National Institute for Migration. Many had stood for hours in the hot sun. Occasionally the crowd would surge towards the fence, seemingly trying to bring it down.