FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2021
CONTACT
Juan Gastelum, [email protected], 213-375-3149
NILC Statement on the Restart of ‘Remain in Mexico’
WASHINGTON — Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), issued the following statement in response to the Biden administration’s announcement that it has reached agreement with Mexico and will restart the Migrant Protection Protocols, commonly known as “Remain in Mexico”:
“Since its creation, the Remain in Mexico policy has subjected tens of thousands of people to grave danger and violated their fundamental right to asylum in the United States. The Biden administration’s shameful regression in restarting this unlawful Trump policy flies in the face of its own determination that no number of changes could render this deadly policy more humane or provide the access to the asylum system that the law requires.
“The Biden administration must stop hiding behind a flawed court order to justify restarting Remain in Mexico. Instead, it should do what we’ve been saying for months– abandon its indefensible embrace of failed deterrence strategies like Remain in Mexico and the unlawful Title 42 expulsion policy and restore full access to asylum for those seeking safety and freedom. Now is the time for the Biden administration to discard misguided political calculus and instead lead with courage and humanity to do everything in its power to relegate Remain in Mexico to the past.”
In a letter sent to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas last month, NILC warned the administration that it could face further legal action upon restarting Remain in Mexico, as this policy violates a federal court injunction protecting the rights of Salvadorans seeking safety in the U.S., among other laws.
###
A Guide for Employers: What to Do if Immigration Comes to Your Workplace
Nov 26, 2024 This guide, created in partnership with the National Employment Law Project (NELP), offers practical guidance on responding to immigration actions in the workplace. It was originally published in December...
Seeking Safety from Darkness: Recommendations to the Biden Administration to Safeguard Asylum Rights in CBP Custody
Nov 22, 2024 This report, created in partnership with Human Rights First, documents blocked access to counsel in CBP custody and urges the Biden administration to implement safeguards, including ensuring lawyer access, to prevent further abuses by the Trump...
Know Your Rights: Is It Safe to Apply for Health Insurance or Seek Health Care?
Nov 20, 2024 This resource provides information that all families – regardless of their immigration statuses – should know when they apply for health insurance programs or seek health care services. Originally published in December...
Documents Typically Used by Lawfully Present Immigrants (Table)
Oct 28, 2024 This table lists the categories of non–U.S. citizens who are recognized as “lawfully present” in the United States and the immigration documents such people typically have.