Trump wants immigrants to stay in Mexico to fix border problem.
Former President Trump praised his “Remain in Mexico” policy during the CNN Presidential Debate on Thursday, emphasizing the success of the controversial border program. This policy, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), was a cornerstone of Trump’s efforts to reduce immigration numbers and control the flow of migrants across the southern border.
The MPP involved an agreement with Mexico to establish tent courts where migrants could apply for asylum and wait in Mexico while their claims were processed, rather than being released into the United States. Supporters of the program argued that it effectively ended the practice of “catch and release,” where migrants were released into the U.S. to await their asylum hearings, a process that could take years. Although only around 70,000 migrants were returned under the program, conservatives pointed to a decrease in border encounters following its implementation.
However, the Biden administration terminated the MPP in 2021, citing concerns that the policy was ineffective and placed migrants at risk in squalid conditions in Mexico. Critics argued that the program led to the creation of large migrant camps along the border as individuals waited for their appointments, highlighting the humanitarian challenges associated with the policy.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas justified ending the program by stating that the MPP had “endemic flaws” and imposed unjustifiable human costs, diverting crucial resources away from other border security priorities. In response to the termination of the MPP, the Biden administration introduced various measures to manage immigration and alleviate pressure at the border, including expanding the CBP One app to allow migrants to schedule appointments for legal entry into the U.S.
Despite these efforts, reports of significant backlogs and challenges persist at the border, with critics arguing that the administration’s asylum policies are restrictive and inhumane. Organizations like Amnesty International have raised concerns about the obstacles faced by asylum seekers, including technological barriers and limited appointment availability in the CBP One app.
Advocates for migrant rights argue that policies like “Remain in Mexico” exacerbate the challenges faced by asylum seekers, particularly if parole appointments through CBP One are terminated. However, supporters of stricter immigration measures maintain that addressing the underlying pull factors is essential to reducing the backlog at the border.
Any potential reinstatement of the MPP faces significant obstacles in securing cooperation from Mexico, which has signaled reluctance to engage in similar agreements in the future. While Trump was able to negotiate cooperation with Mexico during his presidency, the current Mexican government has expressed opposition to reintroducing the MPP.
Ultimately, the debate over immigration policies like the MPP reflects broader tensions surrounding border security and asylum procedures. As the U.S. grapples with managing complex migration patterns and balancing humanitarian concerns with national security interests, the future of programs like “Remain in Mexico” remains uncertain.
