Discover how the return of the “Remain in Mexico” program can transform migration policies, generate humanitarian crises and impact economies across the Americas.
Donald Trump expressed its intention to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” program – officially called the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) – reigniting political, humanitarian and economic debates.
Implemented in 2019 during his first term, the program requires asylum seekers in the United States to remain in Mexico while their cases are processed.
Although Joe Biden discontinued the policy in 2021, Trump claims his return would be necessary to combat illegal immigration.
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Human rights groups widely criticize “Remain in Mexico” due to the precarious conditions faced by migrants in Mexican border cities. These regions are often marked by violence, lack of infrastructure and limited job opportunities.
Additionally, we bring the humanitarian impacts of this policy also have significant economic implications, which reverberate throughout the American continent.
Initial humanitarian and economic impacts
The return of the program places a considerable burden on Mexico. The presence of more migrants in the country puts a strain on border cities such as Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, putting pressure on health systems, security and shelter infrastructure.
As a result, many migrants turn to the informal labor market to survive, intensifying competition for jobs in already economically vulnerable regions.
Additionally, we bring Mexico faces high costs to welcome and repatriate migrants. The Mexican government frequently seeks international humanitarian assistance and partnerships with non-governmental organizations to mitigate the impacts. However, these measures have proven insufficient given the magnitude of the problem.
Consequences in the United States
In the United States, stricter immigration policies directly affect economic sectors that depend on immigrant labor, such as agriculture, construction and hospitality.
As a result, these sectors already face worker shortages and may suffer even more from limited entry of new immigrants.
This lack of labor in essential areas can increase production costs, reflecting on the prices of goods and services for consumers.
Additionally, we bring the US government significantly increases its spending on implementing more stringent security measures, such as additional border patrols and immigration enforcement. These costs ultimately fall on taxpayers, generating an indirect impact on the economy.
Reflections throughout Latin America
Central American countries such as Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala are feeling the effects of this policy strongly.
Local economies depend significantly on remittances sent by migrants working in the United States.
When severe restrictions reduce these remittances, it harms these countries’ economies and increases social instability.
Furthermore, stricter migration barriers in the US divert migration flows to other Latin American countries.
As a result, fragile economies in countries such as Brazil, Colombia and Chile may face overload.
These countries often become alternative destinations for those fleeing poverty and violence, creating additional pressures on their reception systems.
A vicious cycle
Policies like “Remain in Mexico” fail to address the root causes of immigration, such as poverty, corruption and violence in the countries of origin.
Instead, these policies create a vicious cycle that perpetuates humanitarian crises and increases economic instability in the region.
Investing in long-term solutions, such as partnerships for economic development, education and anti-violence programs, offers greater effectiveness in reducing mass migration.
Furthermore, more humane and efficient immigration systems can benefit both countries of origin and destination, generating economic growth and greater stability.
Conclusions and future perspectives
However, this proposal also exposes the complex relationships between politics, economics and human rights in the Americas.
While the policy aims to discourage illegal immigration, its economic and social impacts raise questions about its effectiveness and sustainability.
In light of this, the debate continues, highlighting the need for solutions that balance security, economic prosperity and respect for human dignity. Via CNN