MEXICO CITY — The Trump administration has won the support of Mexico’s incoming government for a plan to remake U.S. border policy by requiringasylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims move through U.S. courts, according to Mexican officials and senior members of president-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s transition team.
The agreement would break with long-standing asylum rules and place a formidable new barrier in the path of Central American migrants attempting to reach the United States and escape poverty and violence. By reaching the accord, the Trump administration has also overcome Mexico’s historic reticence to deepen cooperation with the United States on an issue widely seen here as America’s problem.
The White House had no immediate comment.
. . . .
*************************
Go to the WashPost at the link to read the rest of the story!
- Will the UNHCR & the US help Mexico establish humane accommodations for those awaiting asylum decisions?
- Will Mexico allow free access to US lawyers to assist asylum seekers in preparing their claims?
- Will US Immigration Courts be established at Ports of Entry to conduct hearings for those who pass “credible fear?”
If properly staffed and run in good faith by both the US and Mexico, with the assistance of the UNHCR and various NGOs, this potentially could be a reasonable way to process asylum seekers at the border.
But, it’s difficult to imagine the Trump Administration conducting any immigration related program fairly and in accordance with the law.
Stay tuned!
PWS
11-24-18