Migrants Being Bussed To Philadelphia From Texas: Reports

PHILADELPHIA — A relatively small number of Spanish-speaking migrants are reportedly on their way to Philadelphia.

Multiple outlets report 52 migrants are expected to arrive in Philadelphia Monday or Tuesday.

The migrants, who are believed to hail from South America and not Mexico, are being bussed into the city from Del Rio, Texas, according to the reports.

City officials told Fox 29 that various agencies are working with community organizations to welcome the migrants.

"We will welcome them with open arms and do everything we can to make the transition smooth," Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said, according to Action News. "It doesn't matter whether they found their way up here, whether they were put on a bus -- they are human beings. They want to be in America. They want to do what all of our, most of our ancestors have done, is just make their life in America."

The migrants, all asylum seekers, will be eligible to apply for work permits five to six months after arriving in the United States, NBC10 reports.