The United States will expand the gradual entry of migrants forced to remain in Mexico

Two additional ports of entry will be enabled at the border for immigrants who requested asylum and were sent to Mexico

Photo: John Moore / Getty Images

The Biden administration is preparing to expand to two additional ports of entry on the border, the gradual entry of migrants who were forced to remain in Mexico under a Trump-era policy, told CNN on Friday the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“Starting next week, after virtually registering and being screened for COVID – 19 at preparation sites in Mexico, approved persons with active cases (Migrant Protection Protocols) will be processed at the port of entry of Hidalgo, Texas , ”he said the department in a statement, adding that processing will also begin in Laredo, Texas , since then.

Asylum immigration processing for the “Stay in Mexico” program

The effort is specific to migrants who fall under the so-called policy of staying in Mexico. Three other places have already allowed the entry of migrants under the program.

Under former President Donald Trump, The United States forced migrants from Central America and other parts of the world seeking asylum in the southern border to stay in Mexico until their hearings in the United States immigration court.

More of 70 , 000 People were subjected to the program called “Stay in Mexico.”

Many waited months, if not years, in miserable conditions and under threat of extortion, sexual assault and kidnapping.

Gradual entry for skilled immigrants

President Joe Biden ended the program, formally known as the Migrant Protection Protocol, process in motion. allow the gradual entry of those subject to that policy.

For months, officials meticulously planned the policy reversal and engaged with immigrant advocacy organizations throughout the border, who have worked directly with immigrants.

Since then, The Biden administration has estimated that some 25, 02 migrants still have active cases. That group will be eligible for the first phase of the Reversal of the Protocols Migrant Protection.

The The Administration began the gradual entry of migrants at three ports of entry, in San Diego and in El Paso and Brownsville, Texas , last month.

International organizations are helping with the process in Mexico. After a person is virtually registered and confirmed eligible to enter, they are asked to approach a prep site hours before the crossing date.

At the place of preparation, a Covid detection test is performed – 19 to migrants. If someone tests positive, they will be quarantined for days. Individuals must test negative before coming to the United States.

“Physical presence at a port of entry is not the way to gain access to this tiered effort . The United States continues to strictly enforce existing immigration laws, as well as COVID-related border and travel restrictions – ”, clarified the department in a statement .