GOP Advocates for Reviving Controversial Immigration Policy at U.S.-Mexico Border

Tall metal border wall with rural landscape.

Republican lawmakers are advancing efforts to restore the “Remain in Mexico” policy amid rising immigration issues.

At a Glance

GOP aims to restore Trump’s 2019 “Remain in Mexico” policy.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn supports the legislation with a Senate companion bill.
GOP contends Biden’s termination led to increased illegal immigration.
Mexican authorities may accept returned deportees under certain conditions.

Origin and Evolution of the Policy

The “Remain in Mexico” policy, also known as the Migrant Protection Protocols, was first introduced by the Trump administration in 2019. It required asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while awaiting U.S. immigration hearings. The Biden administration dismantled this policy in 2021 citing humanitarian concerns, prompting Republican criticism for an alleged spike in illegal border crossings.

Following its removal, GOP lawmakers argue that border security has weakened and are pushing to reintroduce the policy through new legislation. This effort hopes to codify the protocols into federal law, ensuring they withstand shifts in future administrations.

Mexico and Its Role

Mexican authorities have expressed willingness to facilitate the policy’s reactivation but with certain stipulations. Mexico isn’t legally bound to accept noncitizens, yet has acquiesced previously under economic threats including tariffs. President Claudia Sheinbaum intends to increase support for deported citizens and prefers that non-Mexicans be returned directly to their countries of origin.

Asylum seekers, often from Spanish-speaking countries and Haiti, would await their U.S. court proceedings in Mexico. The proposed terms involve potential caps on numbers and nationalities and align with Mexico’s prior agreement to accept 30,000 expelled migrants monthly from specified countries.

Political Dynamics and Legislative Push

Republican Congress members, spearheaded by Sen. Marsha Blackburn, are striving to embed the “Remain in Mexico” protocols into U.S. law. This legislative effort is seen as crucial for maintaining border security and averting a regression into what Republicans describe as ineffective “catch and release” immigration policies.

Additionally, the CLEAR Act complements the initiative by enforcing cooperation between states and federal immigration authorities, compelling local entities to share data of apprehended immigrants with the Department of Homeland Security. Republican proponents argue that the policy’s reinstatement will alleviate the current immigration pressures and erode unlawful entry attempts.