The controversial “Remain in Mexico” policy

President Donald Trump’s administration was determined to restrict immigration at all costs, both legal and illegal. Therefore, during his term (2017-2021), his administration implemented hundreds of changes to the immigration system through all kinds of executive actions.

One of Trump’s most controversial immigration policies is the MPP (Migrant Protection Protocol), commonly known as “Remain in Mexico.” This agreement between the US and Mexico, which was implemented in 2019, forced thousands of asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while they received a response to their immigration applications, which could take several months or even more than a year.

It is important to clarify that asylum seekers are usually people who try to flee from precarious situations such as persecution and violence, so they arrive at the US borders without personal belongings or economic resources. As a result, they lived in dangerous Mexican territories in temporary shelters, often without access to basic services and at the mercy of local gangs.

Adding to that, the sudden arrival of the global Coronavirus pandemic paused immigration processes in the US, lengthening waiting times and leaving thousands of asylum seekers under the MPP in limbo.

Biden’s project to resettle asylum seekers under the MPP

The Biden administration disagrees with restrictive policies such as the MPP, which, in its opinion, might put the integrity of the most vulnerable immigrant communities like asylum seekers at risk.

Thus, President Biden along with his cabinet recently unveiled a resettlement project to permanently rescind the MPP policy and allow asylum seekers stranded in Mexico to gradually enter the US.

Biden’s plan went into effect on February 19, 2021, and will benefit approximately 25,000 asylum seekers. It is important to clarify that, in order to enter the US through this resettlement project, asylum seekers must have active cases and reside in Mexico under the MPP policy. This plan does not benefit asylum seekers with previously denied cases or new applications.

Thanks to Biden’s resettlement project, hundreds of asylum seekers have already been able to process their cases at authorized ports of entry and are now waiting within the US to attend their hearing and receive a response to their applications.

Asylum seekers under the MPP continue to enter the US

As of Monday, March 22, 2021, the cities of McAllen and Laredo, in southern Texas, began to receive asylum seekers under the MPP policy, who are welcomed by Biden’s plan.

According to local authorities, organizations involved in logistics, CBP officials (Customs and Border Protection) and activist groups, these cities were prepared to receive 100 asylum seekers on Monday, a number that will gradually grow over the next few weeks.

Do you need help with an immigration case of any kind?

Starting an immigration process requires constant dedication. Therefore, the best recommendation when starting your immigration journey in the US is to have the constant accompaniment of experts, who will guide you every step of the way and lead you towards the success of your application.

If you, a family member, or a friend need help with an immigration case, please contact Motion Law today to schedule a FREE Consultation with one of our expert immigration attorneys. Our team will be happy to guide you through your immigration journey in the US.

Please contact Motion Law Immigration today at: (202) 918-1799.