The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, announced on Tuesday that her government will begin the repatriation of migrants stranded in Mexican territory due to the new immigration restrictions imposed by the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
This measure will primarily affect Latin American migrants, including Cubans, who have become trapped in the country due to the immigration policies of the new U.S. president.
In her press conference, Sheinbaum detailed that the Mexican government has established agreements with several Central American countries, as well as with Cuba, to facilitate the return of these migrants to their countries of origin.
"We would seek the mechanisms through migration policy and foreign policy to ensure their return. There are agreements with Guatemala, with almost all Central American countries, and there was a meeting last week for this. There is also an agreement with Cuba," the leader stated.
Additionally, he emphasized that Mexico will provide "humanitarian assistance" to migrants, especially those who cannot continue their journey to the United States due to the new immigration restrictions.
However, Sheinbaum urged the new Government of the United States to take on the responsibility of directly deporting undocumented migrants to their countries of origin, instead of sending them to Mexico.
The announcement comes in the context of the recent reinstatement of the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as "Remain in Mexico," which requires asylum seekers in the United States to wait in Mexican territory while their cases are being resolved.
This program, which was suspended by the Joe Biden administration and then reinstated on Monday by Trump, has caused thousands of migrants to become stranded in Mexican border cities such as Tijuana and Ciudad Juárez, living in precarious conditions.
Sheinbaum assured that Mexico cannot take responsibility for these migrants in the long term, so she will seek their return to their countries of origin within the framework of her immigration policy.
"If they are on Mexican territory, we assist them for humanitarian reasons, but our goal is, within our immigration policy, to facilitate their return," she stated.
Furthermore, the official reminded that the migrants currently in Mexico due to the cancellation of the 'CBP One' application for requesting U.S. asylum will also be informed about the new restrictions.
"It is important for migrants to know that, as we have explained since October, they will not be able to enter the United States," he added.
Sheinbaum's announcement has significant implications for migration flow in Mexico as well as for the bilateral relationship between both countries.
Mexico, which is the main country of origin for undocumented migrants in the United States, could face an increase in mass deportations, which would primarily affect remittances, accounting for nearly 4% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The official stated that, although the repatriations will be voluntary, the Mexican government is willing to continue its comprehensive humanitarian policy to support migrants while facilitating their return.
"In some cases, if they do not wish to return, migrants will be able to opt for voluntary repatriation," stated Sheinbaum.
Mexico is in talks with the United States government to define the cooperation mechanisms in this new phase of repatriations and humanitarian assistance.
Although Sheinbaum did not clarify whether the Mexican government would cover the costs of repatriations or if the United States would finance this process, she made it clear that efforts are being made to face the challenge of migration jointly.
The day before, Trump canceled the mobile application CBP One that allowed migrants to request appointments and asylum in U.S. territory.
Thousands of undocumented individuals were left stranded and devastated by the news at the border.
He also signed 10 decrees, including the declaration of a National Emergency to mobilize forces from the Department of Defense and the National Guard to strengthen control at the border with Mexico.
The reinstatement of the "Remain in Mexico" program was also approved, a policy first implemented in 2019 that requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexican territory while their asylum cases are processed in the United States.
Another program that came to an end after Donald Trump's inauguration was the humanitarian parole that benefited Cubans, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Repatriation of Migrants in Mexico Under Trump's Policies
Why has Mexico decided to repatriate stranded migrants?
Mexico has decided to repatriate migrants due to the new immigration restrictions imposed by the Donald Trump administration that have caused many migrants to become stranded in the country. President Claudia Sheinbaum aims to facilitate their return to their countries of origin in coordination with the affected nations.
What implications does the reinstatement of the "Remain in Mexico" program have for migrants?
The reinstatement of the "Remain in Mexico" program requires asylum seekers in the United States to wait in Mexican territory while their cases are processed. This has led many migrants to find themselves in precarious conditions in border cities such as Tijuana and Ciudad Juárez.
What role does Cuba play in Mexico's repatriation plan?
Cuba has established an agreement with Mexico to facilitate the return of Cuban migrants who were stranded due to Trump’s immigration policies. This is part of Mexico's efforts to manage the regional migration crisis.
What humanitarian measures will Mexico offer to migrants during the repatriation process?
Mexico will offer humanitarian assistance to migrants who are unable to continue their journey to the United States due to the new restrictions. This includes support while arrangements are made for their return to their home countries.
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