Republicans aim to resurrect the “Remain in Mexico” policy as illegal immigration concerns surge, but will their renewed push lead to legislative success?
At a Glance
- Republicans propose new legislative measures for the “Remain in Mexico” policy.
- The policy returns asylum seekers to Mexico while their U.S. immigration cases proceed.
- Mexico faces challenges with potentially accepting more deportees under U.S. demands.
- Biden administration previously ended the policy, citing humanitarian issues.
Republican Legislative Efforts
Republican lawmakers across Congress are pushing to reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocols, popularly dubbed the “Remain in Mexico” policy, first implemented under President Trump in 2019. This initiative mandates that asylum seekers stay in Mexico while their immigration cases are processed in the United States. The previous administration disassembled the policy in 2021. Republicans assert that its absence has sparked a rise in illegal immigration.
Legislation submitted in Congress aims to formalize these protocols into federal law, fortifying the program against potential reversals by subsequent administrations. Sen. Marsha Blackburn has introduced a complementary bill in the Senate, accompanied by the CLEAR Act, designed to bolster immigration law enforcement.
Challenges Facing Mexico
Mexican authorities are bracing for potential increases in citizens being returned under the revived protocols. President Claudia Sheinbaum anticipates enhancing support for deported individuals but faces pressure linked to the prospect of also accepting non-Mexican deportees. Under past arrangements, Mexico had accepted noncitizens from certain Spanish-speaking countries and Haiti, often under economic threats from the United States.
Concerns persist concerning Mexico possibly receiving deportees from countries lacking U.S. diplomatic relations. President Sheinbaum has expressed reservations about this, advocating for deportees to return directly to their home countries.
Awaiting Legislative Outcomes
The legislative push aims to ensure the “Remain in Mexico” policy’s resiliency against future political shifts. Republican officials argue that the rise in illegal immigration supports their objective of reinstating these protocols. Moreover, efforts are underway to renew related Trump-era initiatives, such as Title 42, which expedites the expulsion of certain asylum seekers during public health emergencies.
Migrants in Mexico express anxiety over the impending policy changes, with many attempting clandestine crossings before potential implementations. This underscores the enduring allure of the United States for those seeking brighter prospects and highlights the ongoing complexities of managing border security and humanitarian needs.
Sources:
- Trump’s immigration grand strategy casts wide net
- What will Mexico do if Trump tries to mass deport non-Mexicans across the border?
- Republicans push to reinstate ‘Remain in Mexico’ under new Trump administration
