Republicans WILL Reinstate Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” Policy SOON

Republicans push to reinstate Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy as immigration concerns mount.

At a Glance

  • GOP lawmakers aim to revive the Migrant Protection Protocols program
  • Legislation would require asylum seekers to wait in Mexico during immigration proceedings
  • Republicans claim Biden’s termination of the program led to increased illegal immigration
  • Mexico faces pressure to accept deportees, including non-citizens
  • Migrants in Mexico express anxiety over potential policy changes

GOP Pushes for Return of Trump-Era Border Policy

As former President Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, Republican lawmakers are gearing up to reintroduce one of his signature immigration policies. The GOP is pushing to reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocols, commonly known as the “Remain in Mexico” program, which was initially implemented in 2019 but dismantled by the Biden administration in 2021.

The proposed legislation would mandate that asylum seekers at the southern border return to Mexico while awaiting their immigration proceedings. This move aims to end what Republicans refer to as “catch and release” policies, which they argue have contributed to a surge in illegal immigration since the program’s termination.

In a strategic move to prevent future reversals by subsequent administrations, Republican lawmakers are seeking to embed the “Remain in Mexico” policy into federal law. Senator Marsha Blackburn has introduced a companion bill in the Senate, alongside the CLEAR Act, which aims to enhance immigration law enforcement.

The CLEAR Act would require states and localities to provide information about apprehended immigrants to the Department of Homeland Security, further tightening the grip on immigration control. This legislative push underscores the GOP’s commitment to reinforcing border security and regulating the influx of migrants.

Mexico’s Response and Challenges

As the United States contemplates these policy changes, Mexico finds itself in a complex position. Mexican authorities have pledged to welcome back citizens facing deportation from the U.S. under the Trump administration. President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced plans to increase aid for deported Mexican citizens, demonstrating a commitment to support nationals returning under potentially stricter U.S. immigration policies.

However, concerns are rising over the pressure Mexico may face to accept deportees from other countries, especially those without diplomatic relations with the U.S. While Mexico is not legally obligated to accept non-citizens, it has previously relented under economic threats. Trump has indicated he may use tariffs as leverage to ensure Mexico’s compliance with his deportation demands.

Potential Negotiations and Limitations

President Sheinbaum has expressed a preference for non-Mexican deportees to be sent directly to their home countries but has signaled a willingness to work with the U.S. on some cases. Mexico may negotiate terms for accepting third-country nationals, potentially with caps on numbers and nationalities. This approach mirrors previous agreements, such as when Mexico accepted up to 30,000 expelled migrants monthly from certain countries after the end of Title 42.

Experts anticipate that once Trump takes office, he will likely issue executive orders on border and deportation policies. These could include the revival of programs like “Remain in Mexico” and Title 42, which were terminated by the Biden administration due to humanitarian concerns.

Hey – elections have consequences!