House Republicans Push to Codify Remain in Mexico Policy
A group of House Republicans, led by Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas), are pushing to codify the Remain in Mexico policy, a cornerstone of President-elect Donald Trump's first-term border policy.
Gill's bill would require the Department of Homeland Security to reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), commonly known as Remain in Mexico. The policy, implemented by Trump in 2019, required asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border to wait in Mexico for their immigration court hearings.
The Biden administration had stopped using the program for new cases in mid-2022, following a federal judge's order halting its termination. President Biden had campaigned on ending the policy, which faced criticism from human rights groups and left-wing organizations who deemed it cruel and inhumane.
Proponents of Remain in Mexico argue that it is crucial in alleviating the strain on U.S. border towns and cities caused by the influx of migrants crossing illegally or seeking asylum.
Gill's bill comes two weeks before Trump's second inauguration. Codifying the policy in federal law would make it more difficult for future administrations to repeal it.
This push for Remain in Mexico is part of a broader effort by Congressional Republicans to advance conservative legislation since the start of the 119th Congress. Many of these proposals focus on immigration and border security, issues that resonated with voters in the November elections.
The House passed its first bill of the term on Tuesday, which aims to enable federal officials to detain migrants accused or convicted of theft-related crimes. The bill received bipartisan support, with over 40 Democrats joining all present Republicans in voting for it.
President-elect Trump has indicated his desire for an active first 100 days in office, particularly with Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress. The White House has not yet commented on the proposed Remain in Mexico legislation.
17 Comments
Coccinella
This isn't a border security solution; it's a recipe for humanitarian crises. Let's work towards reform, not regression!
ZmeeLove
Have these lawmakers ever spoken to an asylum seeker? Their experiences should inform our policies, not this outdated approach.
Habibi
We need to enforce policies that discourage illegal crossings. Remain in Mexico is an essential part of that strategy.
Comandante
How can we consider codifying a policy that puts people's lives in danger? This is shameful and goes against our values as a nation.
Muchacha
Migrants should wait in a safe third country as they navigate the asylum process. This policy can help streamline that!
Mariposa
Law and order must reign at our borders. I'm glad to see proactive legislation being pushed by House Republicans!
Africa
There has to be accountability in our immigration policies. Codifying Remain in Mexico holds migrants to the law.
Answer
I believe this policy is vital for processing asylum claims responsibly. We can't allow chaos at the border to continue!
The Truth
This proposal ignores the realities faced by migrants. We need compassionate solutions, not more walls and obstacles.
Jordan
Real compassion means having secure borders. We can care for migrants while also protecting our own citizens!
Answer
Thankful to those in Congress who are looking out for American citizens as well as for the overall integrity of the immigration system!
Jordan
This policy serves as a deterrent for illegal crossings. Support to keep our immigration system fair and secure!
Bella Ciao
The Remain in Mexico policy leads to suffering for families and children. We must prioritize human rights over political agendas!
Muchacha
Codifying the Remain in Mexico policy shows strength in our immigration approach. Let’s support this effort for safer borders!
Mariposa
Rejecting the Remain in Mexico initiative is a step towards recognizing the humanity of every individual. We must stand against this!
ZmeeLove
Codifying this policy would only deepen the issues at our border. We need comprehensive reforms, not band-aid fixes!
Donatello
We need to be the land of the free, not the land of the excluded. This bill goes against everything America stands for!