Washington to re-impose Remain in Mexico policy as MPP Program

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The administration of US President Joe Biden has planned to re-impose the policy of former President Donald Trump. The officials are outlining plans for the reimplementation of the so-called Remain in Mexico policy. The plan officially titles the MPP Program and it effectively bars asylum seekers from entering the US while immigration courts review specific claims. In light of this, government officials, during a call with reporters outlined their commitment to eventually ending the program with provisions to be added to improve conditions for asylum-seeking enrollees in the meantime. A news outlet reported that the existing framework of the MPP program has faced heavy criticism for the lack of legal services at the disposal of enrollees, who are forced into makeshift Mexican border camps.

President Biden’s administration is working with legal service providers to try and assist with screening interviews and immigration court cases. One such solution, they promise, will be the introduction of 24-hour consultation windows for enrollees. However, the Trump-era policy was less than popular under the 75-year-old’s administration, if officials are to be believed, it will be vastly improved under the current president. Further to this, the Justice Department’s Executive Office of Immigration Review is working to increase legal representation rates for asylum seekers, as well as distributing self-help materials to those who require additional information about the process. The welfare of individuals waiting to be processed at the border is another key area where the policy faced criticism.

Point to be noted that the violence against asylum seekers was an all too regular occurrence. However, US humanitarian workers have already built-up Wi-Fi access at shelters with Mexican authorities stepping up security efforts. Over the Christmas period, the Biden administration put plans into effect, by submitting a request to the Supreme Court for an expedited briefing on the case to end MPP. A senior official said the program is set to remain with it currently costing the US government tens of millions of dollars. The number of asylum seekers subjected to MPP hasn’t been released as things stand, but officials have confirmed that enrollments, under the new standards, are underway in El Paso and San Diego.