Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Wednesday that her administration has not agreed to accept non-Mexican migrants seeking asylum in the United States, despite the recent reinstatement of the controversial “Remain in Mexico” program by US President Donald Trump.
The program, formally known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their US cases are processed, often a lengthy ordeal.
Speaking to reporters, Sheinbaum clarified that any implementation of such a policy would require Mexico’s formal consent, which has not been granted. She noted that the country is committed to offering humanitarian assistance to deported migrants of other nationalities,” she said, adding that mechanisms are in place to help those who voluntarily wish to return to their home countries.
On Monday, Trump returned to the White House, pledging to aggressively enforce stricter immigration and border security measures. His administration’s decision to revive the MPP program, initially launched in 2019 during his previous term, signals a continuation of policies designed to deter asylum claims. The program had been met with significant criticism from human rights organisations, which argued it placed vulnerable migrants, including families and children, in dangerous conditions in border camps susceptible to organised crime.
In 2021, President Joe Biden ended the MPP program, citing humanitarian concerns and the precarious living conditions it created on the Mexican side of the border.
Amid these developments, President Sheinbaum highlighted ongoing diplomatic dialogue with the United States. On Tuesday, Mexico’s Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente held a “very cordial” conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss migration and security issues. The call reflects the two nations’ efforts to maintain cooperation on sensitive cross-border matters, even as disagreements persist over specific policies like MPP.
While Mexico has committed to supporting deported migrants, including providing food and temporary housing, Sheinbaum’s government remains cautious about accepting additional responsibilities for asylum seekers from other nations. Human rights advocates continue to express concerns about the potential humanitarian crisis that could arise from forcing non-Mexican migrants to remain in border regions.
The reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” program underscores the enduring complexities of US-Mexico migration policies. As the Trump administration doubles down on deterrence measures, Mexico’s government faces mounting pressure to navigate the challenges of supporting deported migrants while safeguarding its own national interests.
The question remains whether Mexico will relent to US pressure or maintain its current stance against hosting non-Mexican asylum seekers, a decision that could shape the future of migration policies on both sides of the border.
Melissa Enoch
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