A DARK, DEADLY PATH TO THE U.S. (cover story)

DARIEN Gap (Colombia & Panama); PANAMA

The article discusses the often harrowing conditions along the Darien Gap in Panama that migrants take in efforts to reach the U.S. It describes human smuggling along such routes and efforts undertaken by the U.S. government to combat trafficking, the easing of visa and asylum requirements in South America. It also discusses animals such as bloodsucking bats, vipers, and malaria-carrying mosquitoes on the Darien Gap. The article also discusses the presence of the group the 57th Front of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia. The article presents comments from Somali migrant Ahmed Hassan.