Jan. 16, 2021 – Mass influx of refugees to U.S.
On Tuesday (Feb. 17), the Biden administration unveiled a new refugee asylum process, a move that comes in a reversal of a major immigration policy of former President Donald Trump (R-Texas), before illegal immigrants were to be sent to Mexico, where they were to wait for the results of their asylum claims.
“Beginning Feb. 19, the United States will begin working closely with the Mexican government, international organizations and nongovernmental organizations to process cases that qualify for the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) program and apply for asylum in the United States.” The White House said in a statement Tuesday.
The Trump Administration launched the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPPs) in January 2019 to prevent Central American asylum seekers from entering the U.S., resulting in about 70,000 asylum seekers joining the “stay in Mexico” army.
On Biden’s first day in office, the Department of Homeland Security quickly suspended the policy. Subsequently, a number of asylum seekers arrested at the border by former Trump administration border agents were released in the United States and received court appearance notices.
“Individuals should not take any action at this Time and should remain in place pending further instructions.” “We will soon announce an online registration process that will be accessible from anywhere.” In a statement, the White House said, “After registration, eligible (applicants) will be provided with additional information about when and where to apply. People will not be allowed to enter the border unless directed to do so.”
On Friday (Feb. 12) the Biden Administration announced that it would allow tens of thousands of asylum seekers in Mexico awaiting their next immigration court hearings to enter the U.S. while their cases are pending. Authorities said an estimated 25,000 asylum seekers in Mexico are awaiting asylum case hearings and the first group will be allowed to enter the U.S. on Feb. 19, news that unnerved many Americans.
Separately, sources say Biden’s US Citizenship Act of 2021 will be introduced in the House or Senate this weekend, but exact details about it are still being finalized. On his first day in office, Biden unveiled an immigration bill that would provide a pathway for 11 million people without legal status to become U.S. citizens over an eight-year period, which has been criticized by Republicans.
Last week, more than 50 House Republicans sent a letter to Biden warning of an impending immigration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.
In their letter, they wrote, “This is not a political game, and we implore you not to let ideology blind you to border security, defending Americans and another cartel-style humanitarian crisis.”
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