Understanding the Remain in Mexico Policy

As partners at Immigration Law, we believe in keeping our clients and community informed about the latest developments in immigration policies and regulations. Today, we want to shed light on the “Remain in Mexico” policy and the significant changes that have occurred between the administrations of former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.

The “Remain in Mexico” policy, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), was implemented by the Trump administration in 2019. This policy required certain asylum seekers arriving at the southern border to remain in Mexico while their immigration cases were processed in U.S. immigration courts. The rationale behind this policy was to deter irregular migration and address the backlog of asylum cases within the United States.

However, the “Remain in Mexico” policy faced widespread criticism for its humanitarian implications and challenges in accessing legal representation and protection for vulnerable asylum seekers. As a result, the Biden administration pledged to end the policy and began implementing changes shortly after taking office.

Under President Biden’s administration, significant changes have been made to the “Remain in Mexico” policy:

1. Suspension of New Enrollment: The Biden administration immediately halted the enrollment of new asylum seekers into the MPP program, effectively putting a stop to the policy’s expansion.
2. Phased Termination: In June 2021, the Biden administration announced plans for a phased termination of the MPP program. This involved gradually allowing asylum seekers previously enrolled in the program to enter the United States to pursue their asylum claims.
3. Resumption of Processing: As part of the phased termination, the Biden administration resumed processing asylum cases for individuals previously subjected to the “Remain in Mexico” policy. This allowed them to pursue their asylum claims within the United States rather than remaining in Mexico.
4. Collaboration with International Organizations: The Biden administration has also collaborated with international organizations and partner countries to address the root causes of migration and enhance protection mechanisms for asylum seekers in the region.
   
   

At Immigration Law, we understand the complexities of immigration policies and their impact on individuals and families seeking protection in the United States. Our experienced team of attorneys is dedicated to staying abreast of policy changes and providing compassionate and effective legal representation to asylum seekers navigating the asylum process.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the “Remain in Mexico” policy or is seeking asylum in the United States, we are here to help. Schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys to discuss your case and explore your options for relief.

We remain committed to advocating for the rights of asylum seekers and supporting our clients on their journey to safety and protection in the United States.