The victory of the Democratic Party in the United States midterm elections brings new hope for thousands of migrants stranded in Mexico, including Cubans who have been waiting for a chance to apply for asylum at the U.S. border.
Although the election results fuel expectations of possible changes, no announcements have been made regarding the opening of the border or new measures to facilitate entry into the country.
In light of this new political landscape, lawyer Irene Pascual, who specializes in Mexican immigration law and is accustomed to addressing the concerns of migrants through her social media, shared her opinion on the possible scenarios that may arise for those who remain in Mexican territory.
The specialist believes that the change in majorities in the U.S. Congress could benefit certain immigration initiatives over the next two years, although her proposals do not correspond to measures that have already been approved.
"Firstly, I believe that a more favorable scenario could open up at the border for those asylum seekers or political asylum applicants who were stranded in Mexico," Pascual stated.
The lawyer immediately clarified the scope of her prediction: “This does not mean that the border will open, but that there will be more political pressure to resume asylum procedures.”
His words may be of particular interest to Cubans who remain in Mexico after the United States tightened access conditions at its southern border.
Although Pascual did not specifically refer to the citizens of the Island, his analysis includes foreigners who are awaiting an opportunity to submit applications for protection to the U.S. authorities.
One of the main obstacles for these migrants continues to be the suspension of the CBP One appointment system.
On January 20, 2025, the administration of Donald Trump removed the feature that allowed individuals to schedule presentations at entry ports to initiate certain immigration procedures, a measure that .
As of November 2026, the mechanism had not been restored.
Another possible effect of the election results, according to Pascual, would be related to deportations.
The jurist ruled out that the expulsions of immigrants will come to a halt as a result of the Democratic victory, although she noted that federal government oversight could increase.
"The deportations are not going to stop," he asserted before pointing out that, in his opinion, there could be "greater oversight of the Executive Branch and a renegotiation of the budgets" used by the agencies responsible for implementing those measures.
He also mentioned the possibility of promoting family reunification initiatives, referencing legal mechanisms that existed during previous Democratic administrations.
The relationship between the United States and Mexico is another issue that, according to Pascual, could be subject to review.
The specialist raised the possibility that agreements and practices used to return migrants to Mexican territory might be questioned, as well as the conditions under which Mexican citizens and nationals from other countries are treated in U.S. detention centers.
These issues become relevant after the legislative elections on November 3, 2026, in which the Democrats managed to regain control of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The new composition of Congress will begin to exercise its functions on January 3, 2027, allowing the opposition party to increase its oversight capability over the Trump administration.
However, the change in legislative majority does not by itself alter the immigration decisions of the Executive Branch. Trump will continue to lead the White House and will retain the authority to implement border and deportation policies, in addition to his veto power over bills passed by Congress.
Pascual specifically acknowledged that obstacle. "Although social media is already discussing the veto power the president has over these initiatives, I prefer to stay positive and think that we have a much more favorable scenario for migrants in the next two years," she stated.
However, their assessment contrasts with the difficulties currently faced by those trying to seek protection at the border.
In May, immigration attorney Willy Allen advised against presenting oneself at border crossings to request asylum due to existing restrictions and the risk of ending up in detention or facing deportation.
The impact of the elections on Cubans has also sparked expectations beyond Mexico. After the results were revealed, Cubans consulted about the Democratic victory expressed a mix of hope and uncertainty regarding potential political changes in the United States.
Filed under: