Mexico Rejects U.S. Plan to Reinstate ‘Remain in Mexico’ Policy

MEXICO CITY, Mexico (Reuters) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Wednesday rejected a U.S. proposal to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which would require non-Mexican asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their U.S. immigration cases are processed. The announcement came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump‘s administration revealed plans to revive the controversial program.

The policy, formally known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), was first implemented in 2019 under Trump’s previous presidency. It aimed to deter what officials described as fraudulent asylum claims by forcing migrants to remain in Mexico, often in precarious conditions, until their U.S. court hearings. The program was terminated in 2021 by President Joe Biden, who cited safety concerns for migrants.

Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico has not agreed to accept non-Mexican migrants under the proposed policy. “Such a move would require the consent of the receiving country, and Mexico has not given that consent,” she told reporters. She added that her government is providing humanitarian assistance to deported migrants of other nationalities and offering repatriation options for those who wish to return to their home countries voluntarily.

The reinstatement of the MPP program is part of Trump’s broader push for aggressive immigration and border security measures. On Monday, Trump returned to the White House vowing to declare a national emergency at the southern border, despite a significant decline in migrant crossings over the past year.

Human rights organizations have long criticized the MPP program, arguing that it exposes migrants, including families with young children, to dangerous conditions in border encampments. These areas are often plagued by organized crime, leaving migrants vulnerable to violence and exploitation.

Sheinbaum also noted that Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente and newly confirmed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a “very cordial” phone call on Tuesday to discuss migration and security issues. The conversation highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts to address cross-border challenges.

The potential return of the MPP program has reignited debates over U.S. immigration policy and its impact on Mexico. As both countries navigate the complexities of migration, the fate of thousands of asylum seekers remains uncertain.