The “Remain in Mexico” program, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocol (MPP), was implemented during the Donald Trump administration in 2019. This program forced asylum seekers to wait in Mexican territory while their cases were resolved in the United States. The measure sought to deter irregular migration and reduce the number of people entering the United States seeking asylum.
With the recent reelection of Donald Trump and his upcoming inauguration, the Mexican government has expressed its position on the possible reinstatement of this program. President Claudia Sheinbaum declared in a press conference that Mexico is prepared to face the immigration policies of the president-elect and emphasized that “Mexico does not have to bow its head.” Sheinbaum stressed the importance of maintaining a bilateral relationship based on mutual respect and equality. But he rejects the reinstatement of the “Stay in Mexico” program in 2025.
What happens if the “Stay in Mexico” program is applied again?
Asylum seekers under this program must arrive by land at one of the ports of entry located on the border between Mexico and the United States.
It will be necessary to pass a “credible fear” interview, a procedure that evaluates whether the applicant faces a real risk of persecution or torture if they return to their country of origin. This interview constitutes the initial step in the asylum process.
Once the application is submitted, applicants must be sent back to Mexico, and then summoned for a hearing in a United States immigration court.
Why Eduardo Ramírez rejects the reinstatement of the “Stay in Mexico” program
This program was implemented in 2019 and was later canceled; It is feared that with the arrival of Donald Trump to the presidency it will be reactivated due to what was seen previously:
This policy exposes thousands of asylum seekers to risky situations, since they must wait for their hearing in precarious and dangerous conditions in Mexico, without access to medical services, humanitarian assistance or legal support.
In addition, these people could remain in these circumstances for years before their case is resolved.
Migrants stranded in Tapachula create caravan headed to the US
In the early hours of this Monday, about 1,500 migrants of various nationalities began their journey towards the northern border of Mexico with the hope of crossing into the United States. The caravan left Bicentennial Park in Tapachula, Chiapas, after an emotional prayer to God by the participants.
Luis, a migrant originally from Honduras, expressed his determination despite the challenges they face. “Although the new president of the United States has warned that he will not allow illegal entry, we will not give up the goal for which we left our homes,” she said.
This group, made up of men, women and children, seeks to overcome the challenges that migration entails, including the restrictive policies of the United States and the difficult conditions along the way. However, their faith and the desire for a better life drive them to continue.
The caravan once again puts the focus on the complex migration situation facing the region and the need for comprehensive solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of migrants.
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, announced that she will ask the president of the United States, Donald Trump, to maintain the use of the CBP One application on the southern border of Mexico, especially in states such as Chiapas and other areas in the southeast of the country. As she explained, this tool has been key to regulating the migratory flow, since it allows migrants to make their asylum requests remotely, without having to travel to the northern border.
Venezuelan migrants in Tuxtla continue to seek the American dream
They also recognize that there are risks of mass deportation
During her morning conference, Sheinbaum mentioned that a US government official reported on the possible suspension of CBP One, which could generate greater pressure on the northern and southern borders of Mexico. For this reason, the president assured that her administration will insist on the importance of maintaining this application or implementing similar alternatives that facilitate procedures from the south of Mexico or even from Central American countries.
Source: oem
