NILC Statement on Biden’s “Status Update” on Remain in Mexico Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2021

CONTACT
Madison Allman, [email protected], 202-384-1279

NILC Statement on the Biden’s “Status Update” on Remain in Mexico Policy

WASHINGTON — Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center, issued the following statement in response to the Biden administration’s U.S. district court filing about its “good faith” efforts to resume the Remain in Mexico policy:

“By failing to take immediate, concrete steps to terminate the Remain in Mexico policy, the administration has not lived up to President Biden’s promise to restore full access to asylum and build a 21st century immigration system that values our collective humanity and dignity.

“The Remain in Mexico policy was a centerpiece of Donald Trump’s cruel, anti-immigrant agenda and put thousands of people seeking safety in grave danger. Choosing any course short of terminating this unlawful policy would be a capitulation to an emerging conservative political playbook being used to imperil President Biden’s entire progressive agenda.

“This is a key moment for President Biden to lead with conviction, issue a new termination memo, and restart asylum processing at the southern border. There is no room for Remain in Mexico — or any policy like it — in a country that strives to be a beacon of hope for those seeking safety and freedom.”

###