The Mexican government is all about peace and order as it agreed with the White House to enhance the security of the border. However, its asylum plan may not be in the favor of refugees who want to stay in Mexico while they wait for their immigration appeals to be cleared.
According to CBS News, Mexico's new asylum program called the "Temporary Program to Voluntary Returns" should help stranded asylum seekers in Mexican border towns be assisted on their way home while they wait for the U.S. government to approve or reject their immigration applications.
The program has already started working. On Tuesday, almost 70 migrants stranded in Chihuahua rode a bus to the "Northern Triangle." The said region is composed of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.
"[The Mexican government] will continue to provide support to foreigners who are in Mexico on a regular basis, in order to carry out the return to their countries of origin, if they so request," Mexico's National Migration Institute explained.
While the Mexican government's good intentions will work well for those who are willing to wait back home for the resolution of their migration appeals in the U.S., the case is ultimately different for those unwilling to go home.
Economists said Washington's "Remain in Mexico" scheme for asylum seekers are not altogether suitable for those who face difficulties with unemployment and shelter as they wait weeks or months for their appeals to be heard and resolved.
Some migrants may be tempted to adhere to Mexico's program instead of stick with the "Remain in Mexico" scheme, analysts said. On the other hand, Mexico may need to work out a way to assist those who side with the U.S. asylum plan and have yet to find jobs or find places to stay in.
It has yet to be confirmed if Mexico's own asylum program has anything to do with the Mexican government's agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the blockage of migrants passing through the border.
It appears that the Mexican government pushed for its asylum plan to be rolled out as soon as possible amid reports that people under the "Remain in Mexico" program continue to be exposed to crimes.
A report by the Human Rights Watch (HRW) released on Tuesday suggested that migrants in Mexico not only struggle with food, jobs, and shelter. They also reportedly experience violence and sexual assault.
Trump has said his program was safe for asylum seekers since Mexico was a "safe third country." However, it appears that the White House has to review the details of its refugee plan, analysts said.
