Mexico and the United States are nearing an agreement to deport “non-Mexican migrants” directly to their home countries rather than Mexico.
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador was briefed on these developments on Wednesday, pledging to collaborate with US authorities.
Meanwhile, the United States closed its border with Mexico on Wednesday night to halt the influx of illegal immigrants. President Biden, aged 81, signed an awaited executive order to “regain control” of the southern border with Mexico.
Illegal crossings of the 3,050-kilometer border have surged to record levels under the Biden administration.
The Biden administration criticized Republicans for demonizing immigrants, implementing mass raids, separating families at the border, and detaining children while in office.
Most migrants, mainly from Central America and Venezuela, flee poverty, violence, and climate change-induced natural disasters.
Despite a recent decline in migrant numbers to around 179,000 in April, polls suggest it remains one of Biden’s major electoral challenges.
Biden condemned Trump and the Republicans earlier this year for politicizing immigration and blocking his request for border funding. He vowed not to demonize migrants and urged patience from critics of his policies.
Migrants entering the United States can typically claim asylum if they face harm or persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Many wait years for their claims to be processed.
A White House senior official responded to criticism of Biden’s approach, stating that Republicans, during their tenure, demonized immigrants, conducted mass raids, separated families, and detained children at the border, actions contradicting American values. Trump has intensified his anti-immigration stance as he aims for a return to the White House.
