Biden Talks to Mexico President About Reversing Immigration Policies

U.S. President Joe Biden and Mexico's President Andrés Manuel López Obrador discussed reversing immigration policies, a phone call readout from the White House stated Saturday.

Biden talked about plans to reverse the Trump administration's "draconian" immigration policies while working to address the causes of migration from other countries like Mexico, reported Reuters.

The new president said immigration policies under the Biden administration had a goal of reducing migration by focusing on "addressing its root causes."

Biden also talked about efforts to increase "resettlement capacity and lawful alternative immigration pathways" as well as ways to improve processing immigrants at the US-Mexico border.

Based on a report from DW News, the U.S. expects Mexico to play a major role in Biden's immigration reform plans.

US, Mexico Leaders Vow to Reduce 'Irregular Migration'

The two presidents agreed to address "irregular migration."

It appeared that the discussion was also a pleasant one for López Obrador as he described it as "kind and respectful" in a tweet.

"We discussed issues related to migration, Covid-19 and cooperation for development and welfare," López Obrador said, adding that the conversation indicated relation that will be "good for the good of our people."

President Biden's plans on immigration included opening a path to citizenship for roughly 11 million illegal immigrants living in the U.S., a move that even his allies in Congress believe to be a "Herculean task."

Under the plan, the citizenship process would take as little as three to eight years.

His plans on immigration policies also prompted backlash from Republican lawmakers.

Former President Donald Trump had a very different immigration approach if compared to Biden. He had a crack down on both legal and illegal migration as one of his flagship policies.

Throughout his term as president, he worked towards building a wall along the U.S. border, a project that Biden wanted to stop.

Migrants Drawn to Biden's Promise of Changed Immigration Policies

Mexico's Foreign Ministry also said it has been discussing a COVID-19 related order with officials from Washington. It seeks to establish firmer health protocols for people who seek entry to the U.S.

DW noted that earlier this month, Mexico worked with Central America to contain a large caravan of migrants seeking entry to the U.S.

On Friday, the U.S., Mexico and Guatemalan governments agreed that it would prohibit the passage of these kinds of caravans.

"Our border remains closed for those who try to enter illegally," U.S. ambassador to Guatemala William Popp said.

It is believed the caravan was headed for the border after Biden's promises of change in immigration policies.

The Guardian noted that many of the migrants in the caravan hope to reach the U.S. to escape desperate situations in Honduras. The country was hit by two major hurricanes which worsened poverty conditions and elevated gang violence in addition to the threat of COVID-19.

The caravan was stopped thousands of miles away from the border, but right-leaning news outlets were quick to point out that the change in immigration policies could really lead to pressure at the border.

Media Matters pointed out that when Fox News covered Biden's immigration plans, it constantly showed video of migrant caravans in scuffles with authorities.