NILC Urges the Biden Administration to Fight the Return of the “Remain in Mexico” Policy

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to decide today whether to stay a lower court’s order requiring a restart to the Trump-era Remain in Mexico policy, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols. This policy forced thousands of people seeking asylum to wait in Mexico for their court hearing dates, often in dangerous conditions.

Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center and the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund, issued the following statement:

“Under the cruel Remain in Mexico policy, the U.S. slammed the door on people in need of refuge and subjected thousands of asylum-seekers to unthinkable violence and danger while depriving them of due process.

“Last November, a diverse, multigenerational coalition of voters delivered the now-Biden administration a clear mandate to build a 21st century immigration system that centers the dignity and humanity of all people. Voters resoundingly rejected the previous administration’s agenda, including its shameful and cruel border policies.

“Regardless of what the Supreme Court decides, the National Immigration Law Center will do everything in our power to ensure that this harmful policy comes to a decisive end and that no policy like it is ever instituted again. We urge the Biden administration to do the same and to exhaust every option to end Remain in Mexico. The administration should focus its efforts on delivering on Biden’s promise to reclaim the United States’ position as a beacon of hope for all who seek a safe and better life.”

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