United States and Mexico Reach Accord on Strengthening Border Immigration Measures

HI INDIA NEWS DESK
WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. and Mexican officials have agreed on a new five-point immigration plan that aims to deter illegal border crossings while also opening up other pathways for migrants. Mexico will continue to accept migrants from certain countries who are turned away at the U.S. border, and up to 100,000 individuals from Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador who have family in the U.S. will be eligible to live and work there.

The U.S. COVID-19 restrictions have allowed officials to turn away tens of thousands of migrants, but those restrictions will lift on May 11 and border officials are preparing for a surge. Mexico’s support is critical to the U.S.’s efforts to clamp down on illegal border crossings, and with Mexico’s support, plus the deployment of 1,500 active-duty U.S. troops to the border, border officials believe they may be able to manage any issues that may arise.

The U.S. will continue to turn away migrants who cross illegally and will swiftly screen those seeking asylum at the border, quickly deport those who are not qualified, and penalize those who cross illegally. The deployment of troops has drawn criticism from some in Biden’s own party, but the White House has downplayed any similarities with Trump’s use of troops at the border. The Pentagon has approved the request for troops made by the Department of Homeland Security and has requested quarterly updates on how it will staff its border mission without service members.