The Department of Homeland Security Reinstates the "Remain in Mexico" Program (MPP)
- Legal en USA
- Jan 22
- 3 min read
On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the "Remain in Mexico" program (MPP) was reinstated, significantly toughening the asylum application process in the United States and requiring applicants to wait in Mexican territory while their cases are resolved.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reinstated the "Remain in Mexico" program, or MPP, a controversial immigration policy requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed in U.S. immigration courts. This policy, reintroduced by the new administration of Donald Trump, has sparked both support and criticism due to its significant impact on migrants' lives and border management.
What Is the "Remain in Mexico" Program?
Officially known as the "Migrant Protection Protocols" (MPP), this program was first implemented during Trump’s initial term and later suspended under the Biden administration. Its aim is to reduce the entry of migrants into the U.S. and manage asylum cases more efficiently. However, it forces asylum seekers to remain in Mexico, where many face dangerous conditions such as violence, extortion, and limited access to basic resources.
The reinstatement of this policy has several implications:
Delays in asylum processing: Migrants must endure extended waits in Mexico, often under harsh conditions.
Increased vulnerability: Those waiting in Mexico are frequently targeted by criminal activities, including extortion and kidnapping.
Limited legal resources: Many migrants struggle to consult with attorneys while remaining on the other side of the border, which weakens their ability to present a strong case.
Immigration attorneys at Legal en USA represent you in the preparation and defense of your asylum case, no matter where you are. |
MPP Was Previously Declared Illegal
The "Remain in Mexico" program has faced considerable legal challenges. In August 2021, a federal court declared it illegal during the Biden administration, stating that it violated U.S. asylum laws by exposing migrants to unsafe conditions in Mexico without ensuring their security or access to proper legal procedures. Despite this ruling, the program was temporarily reinstated in December 2021 following a Supreme Court order that required the Biden administration to reimplement it while litigation was ongoing.
In June 2022, the Biden administration officially terminated the program after an internal review concluded that it failed to meet humanitarian and legal standards. However, Donald Trump’s administration has now reinstated MPP as one of its initial executive actions, raising alarm among human rights advocates and migrant communities.
Advice for Migrants Affected by MPP
If you are impacted by this policy, it is crucial to take proactive steps to prepare your asylum case and ensure the best possible defense. Here are some key recommendations:
Consult with an immigration attorney:A legal expert can help you build a strong case and ensure that you meet all necessary requirements. Professional guidance is critical to overcoming the obstacles posed by this program.
Gather all necessary evidence:While waiting in Mexico, collect documents, photographs, medical reports, testimonies, and any other evidence that supports your asylum claim.
Stay informed about your case:Monitor updates on your case through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) platform. Staying updated can make a crucial difference.
Seek local support networks:In Mexico, local organizations may provide resources such as legal assistance, shelter, and food. Research what services are available in your area.
Prepare a strong defense:Present a clear, well-documented case that explains the specific reasons why you cannot return to your home country.
At Legal en USA, we are committed to helping you navigate these complex immigration policies. Our team of experts is ready to guide you and prepare your asylum case while you wait in Mexico. Don’t let this policy discourage you. Call us at 305-446-8686 or click here to schedule a consultation. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
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