Mexico and US Nearing Deal To Deport Migrants Back to Home Countries
Non-Mexicans may now be directly deported to their home countries as a new deal between Mexico and the US is in the works. This was confirmed by Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), stressing he is willing to work with US authorities on this policy.
In the US-Mexico border, it is not just Mexicans who want to cross, but a variety of other nationalities, and the US has had trouble in deporting after getting caught. This is where Mexico comes in, with deported migrants being sent back to their respective countries from Mexico.
The announcement from AMLO came as US President Joe Biden announced new measures to stem the flow of migrants who want to head to the US. Biden and AMLO have been actively discussing ways to reduce the number of migrants coming to the US-Mexico border.
"We're reaching an agreement so that if they make the decision to deport, they do so directly," said the Mexican president in his usual press conference. This revelation happened soon after he was asked by a reporter regarding Biden's new asylum restrictions, which have already taken effect starting last Wednesday.
The deportations from Mexico will work in conjunction with the Biden executive order, with the US deporting migrants and sending them back to Mexico should they be caught trying to cross the border unlawfully. Migrants caught by US authorities will be deported without the chance to claim asylum.
AMLO did note that he would accept migrants expelled to Mexico, telling a reporter that "we don't have a problem (with that)" after being asked about the issue.
Migrants Along the US -Mexico Border Face a New Reality After the Biden Deportation Policy Takes Effect
Meanwhile, with Biden's new measures already active, migrants and asylum seekers along the US-Mexico border who are already awaiting processing are facing a brand new reality as they now face stricter rules.
READ MORE: Joe Biden Announces Executive Order on the US-Mexico Border, Set Border Restrictions
Many of these migrants who have been caught by Border Patrol agents in the San Diego area are taken to the place known as Whiskey 8, where many migrants are awaiting processing. Several asylum seekers go there on their own after crossing the border, while others just wait to be picked up by Border Patrol. With Biden's new policy, it is unclear how long this would go on at Whiskey 8.
Aid workers have told Reuters that even with the ban already in effect, a group of 85 migrants still gathered in Whiskey 8. In other parts of the southern border, many still line up at border crossings and wait to cross. Those migrants who apply to approach a legal port of entry via the government-run cell phone app will still be allowed to enter.
How Will the New US Border Policy Work in Deporting Migrants?
In this new policy, once the threshold of 2,500 illegal entries is reached, the border will immediately shut down and asylums will be placed on hold. Those caught trying to cross are then deported to Mexico, even if they are trying to seek asylum.
According to the Associated Press, this means that "migrants will be issued deportation orders even if they are denied a chance to seek asylum." Those who will try again will be exposed to criminal prosecution and be banned from entry for several years.
The new rules also place higher standards on migrants who express fear for their safety if they are deported. Those who pass can remain to pursue other forms of humanitarian protection.
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
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