
Republicans are strategizing to revive Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy, targeting illegal immigration amidst public concern.
At a Glance
- Mexican authorities have pledged to accept deported citizens under the Trump administration.
- The Biden administration dismantled the “Remain in Mexico” program in 2021, facing Republican opposition.
- Mexico’s cooperation with accepting deportees from other countries is voluntary, yet influenced by U.S. economic threats.
- The GOP aims to make the “Remain in Mexico” policy federal law to prevent future administrative changes.
The GOP’s Legislative Push
The Trump administration introduced the Migrant Protection Protocols, known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy, to manage asylum seekers. The policy required them to stay in Mexico until their U.S. court proceedings finished. The Biden administration ended this policy, stirring GOP concern claiming it caused increased illegal migration.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn has spearheaded a bill in the Senate to resurrect this policy, along with introducing the CLEAR Act to fortify immigration law enforcement. This legislative effort seeks to embed the policy federally, aiming to shield it from future executive reversals.
International Implications and Responses
The Mexican government has indicated willingness to accept deported Mexican citizens under the Trump administration’s demands. President Claudia Sheinbaum has committed to improving aid for such citizens.
Sheinbaum prefers non-Mexicans be sent to their home countries, yet concedes cooperation with the U.S. on specific cases under certain conditions. Trump’s earlier threats of imposing tariffs on Mexico play into these discussions, with ongoing negotiations likely setting terms for any future agreements.
Domestic and Border Control Effects
The GOP’s legislative movement reflects an urge to tackle illegal immigration by reinstating policies like the Migrant Protection Protocols. The CLEAR Act mandates local and state cooperation in reporting immigrant information to increase federal deportation efficiency.
Migrants currently residing in Mexico express anxiety about these developments, citing abuse and scarcity of opportunities compared to prospects in the U.S. This group remains determined to cross into America before potential policy enactments.
Sources:
- Trump’s immigration grand strategy casts wide net
- Live: Lawmakers host hearing over Trump’s ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy
- What will Mexico do if Trump tries to mass deport non-Mexicans across the border?
- Republicans push to reinstate ‘Remain in Mexico’ under new Trump administration