President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) has proposed an agreement between the migrants' countries of origin and the United States to address the surge in asylum requests and deportations. "We are seeking an agreement that if they decide to deport, they do so directly. We are seeking that agreement. They come to Mexico, and we have no problem; we treat everyone very well. But why triangulate? Why not have a direct agreement?" stated the president during a press conference on the recent accords with the United States.
These comments come two days after President Joe Biden announced plans to close the border and deny asylum requests to those who enter the country illegally. Biden indicated that migrants from Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Haiti would be returned to Mexico, while migrants from other countries would be repatriated via direct flights, according to the agreements recently signed with AMLO.
López Obrador also emphasized the importance of supporting Latin America and the Caribbean, especially Guatemala, in addressing the root causes of migration. The executive order signed on Tuesday by President Biden introduces several changes affecting the border's operation and impacting Cuban migrants and Mexico. The measure drastically limits asylum applications at the border and allows U.S. authorities to deport those who fail to meet strict asylum criteria.
For Cuban migrants who do not arrive with a CBP One appointment, they will be immediately returned to Mexico. In addition, the border will close when the number of daily detentions exceeds 2,500 over a seven-day average, leaving thousands of undocumented individuals stranded in Mexican territory. The rule will be in effect when the southern border is overwhelmed, facilitating the swift expulsion of individuals without legal grounds to remain in the United States.
The border will close immediately when the number of encounters surpasses 2,500 per day, meaning this measure could take effect immediately as current daily figures exceed that number. Despite these measures, Biden assured that he will not "demonize" migrants and asked for patience and trust from Americans in his handling of the migration issue as the November elections approach. "I will not separate children from their families," he promised.
Key Changes in U.S. Immigration Policy and Their Impact
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the recent changes in U.S. immigration policy and how they affect migrants and the handling of asylum requests.
What is the new agreement proposed by AMLO?
AMLO proposes a direct deportation agreement between migrants' countries of origin and the United States to avoid intermediaries like Mexico.
How does Biden's executive order affect asylum seekers?
The order restricts asylum applications at the border and allows for the rapid deportation of individuals who do not meet stringent asylum criteria.
What happens to Cuban migrants without CBP One appointments?
Cuban migrants without CBP One appointments will be immediately returned to Mexico under the new guidelines.
When will the border close under the new measures?
The border will close when the number of daily detentions exceeds 2,500 over a seven-day average, a threshold currently being met.