Local sources from Mexico: BBC.com, Univision.
UK coverage: Sky News.
Thousands of migrants attempting to reach the United States from Mexico face bureaucratic obstacles and confusion as they navigate the changing attitudes of Mexican authorities. The migrants, who come from all over the world, are shifted from one location to another, never making any progress towards their final destination. The Mexican authorities have received the message from the United States that large numbers of migrants on the border fence are not desirable, leading to a system that makes it difficult for migrants to know what to do. The migrants face numerous challenges and dangers, including criminal gangs and kidnappings, as they continue their journey north.
In a recent announcement, US President Joe Biden unveiled a new policy aimed at protecting hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who are spouses of US citizens from deportation. This policy is expected to benefit around 500,000 people, allowing them to apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship without having to leave the country. The White House believes that 50,000 minors whose parents are married to a US citizen will also benefit from this measure.
However, this move by the Biden administration has sparked debate and uncertainty. While some view it as a positive step towards a fairer immigration system, others criticize it as excessive and argue that it sends a message of amnesty to those who enter the United States illegally.
According to the BBC, the new policy will grant parole in place to migrants who have been in the US for at least 10 years, allowing them to remain in the country while their status is being changed. On average, those eligible for the process have been in the US for 23 years, with the majority being born in Mexico. This marks a significant opportunity for a segment of the immigrant population in the US that historically faces complications in normalizing their status.
The announcement comes as the United States commemorates the 12th anniversary of DACA, which protected over 530,000 immigrants who arrived in the US as children from deportation. The Biden administration’s recent executive order on immigration, however, contrasts with another order issued in early June that allows officials to quickly expel migrants who enter the US illegally without processing their asylum claims. These conflicting policies highlight the delicate balancing act that President Biden faces on this issue.
While the number of arrivals and detentions of undocumented migrants at the US-Mexico border has decreased this year, surveys continue to show widespread concern about the issue in the country. A Gallup poll in May found that 18% of US voters consider immigration their top issue. Furthermore, surveys conducted this year have repeatedly shown that many voters trust former President Trump more than President Biden on immigration and the border.
As the situation at the US-Mexico border remains complex and migrants face numerous challenges and dangers, the Biden administration’s plan to regularize undocumented migrants has brought both hope and skepticism. The debate surrounding this policy reflects the ongoing struggle to find a balance between addressing immigration concerns and providing a fair and inclusive system for migrants and citizens alike.
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