The “Remain in Mexico” program employed by the federal government sends asylum seekers back to border cities in Mexico while they wait for their immigration hearing dates, often months later. A report by Human Rights First has now argued that the federal government is not using discretion in deciding who will be returned to Mexico. The report showed that many vulnerable people, including those with disabilities, pregnant women, LGBT+ people, and those who need specialized medical care have been returned to Mexico. Advocates argue that this violates the official guidelines, which say that “individuals from vulnerable populations may be excluded [from Remain in Mexico] on a case-by-case basis.” Because of the lack of clear guidelines, immigration judges are unsure who falls under the policy.

– Weekly Immigration Briefing by Olivia Hester, Immigration Law Analyst at Docketwise

Posted in: Immigration