By Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has announced that his country is seeking an agreement with the United States to deport asylum-seekers and migrants directly to their countries of origin, instead of returning them to Mexico. This statement comes in response to US President Joe Biden’s recently unveiled executive action, which would bar people who cross the US-Mexico border illegally from requesting asylum during periods of high illegal crossings.
Under Biden’s proclamation, asylum-seekers who do not meet certain exemptions would be turned away to Mexico or returned to their home countries. The plan, however, still allows for the normal flow of commerce and legal immigration across the border.
When asked about the potential impact of Biden’s plan on Mexican border towns, López Obrador expressed confidence in his country’s ability to handle the situation, stating, “They come to Mexico. We have no problem. We treat them all very well (…) but why not a direct agreement?” He emphasized Mexico’s desire for the US to deport asylum-seekers directly to their countries of origin.
Critics of Biden’s measure argue that it could endanger vulnerable people by effectively closing the border to asylum seekers. Tonatiuh Guillén, a professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and former commissioner of the National Migration Institute of Mexico, warned that the new rule would create a “virtual wall,” leaving thousands of refugees in Mexico without the possibility of shelter.
However, Mexican authorities have largely downplayed any expected impact on their country. A source at Mexico’s asylum commission COMAR told CNN that the agency is not very concerned about a potential increase in refugee applications, as migrants who reach the northern border of Mexico are generally not interested in seeking asylum there.
López Obrador and Biden held a phone call on Tuesday, which the Mexican president described as “respectful” and “very amicable.” They discussed the need to support Latin American nations, and López Obrador expressed his appreciation for the US’ plan to build three new border bridges, stating that this would greatly help economic and commercial development throughout the region.
As the situation at the US-Mexico border continues to evolve, the two countries will need to work together to find solutions that balance the need for border security with the protection of vulnerable asylum-seekers and refugees.
Credit: CNN
