Responding to a federal court order, the U.S. has brought back the ‘Remain in Mexico’ program for migrants seeking asylum.
The Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) program was reinstated on Dec. 6, a Department of Homeland Security press release said. The program, commonly referred to as the ‘Remain in Mexico’ program, was launched by President Trump in 2018.
“The U.S. Government will work closely with the Government of Mexico to ensure that there are safe and secure shelters available for those enrolled in MPP; that individuals returned under MPP have secure transportation to and from U.S. ports of entry; and that MPP enrollees are able to seek work permits, healthcare, and other services in Mexico,” the news release said.
Migrants will be returned to Mexico at seven ports of entry in San Diego, Calexico, Nogales, El Paso, Eagle Pass, Laredo, and Brownsville, the release said.
The U.S. announced Oct. 29 that it was canceling the program. “This Administration, however, remains under a court order requiring it to reimplement MPP in good faith, which it will abide by even as it continues to vigorously contest the ruling,” the release said. “Once the court injunction is lifted, MPP will be terminated.”
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas has repeatedly stated that MPP “has endemic flaws, imposed unjustifiable human costs, pulled resources and personnel away from other priority efforts, and failed to address the root causes of irregular migration,” the release said.
