MEXICO CITY/WASHINGTON: The governments of Mexico and the United States are inching closer to an agreement to deport “non-Mexican migrants”, directly to their home countries rather than Mexico.

The President of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, was informed of these developments on Wednesday, as he pledged to work alongside US authorities.

Meanwhile, the United States closed its border with Mexico on Wednesday night to stop the flow of illegal immigrants. The 81-year-old Biden signed a much-awaited executive order taking effect to “gain control” of the southern frontier with Mexico.

Under the Biden-led government, illegal crossings of the 3,050-kilometre) border have surged to record levels.

Biden admin says Republicans, while in office, ‘demonised immigrants, instituted mass raids, separated families at the border and put kids in cages’

Most of these migrants come from Central America and Venezuela. More often than not, they are attempting to flee poverty, violence and natural disasters exacerbated by climate change.

Growing numbers are coming from other parts of the world to Latin America as well, before making the ‘treacherous trip’, to the United States.

“We have families, children to provide for. We don’t come here for pleasure,” a Honduran migrant, told reporters.

“The only thing I would ask is that they give us a chance,” said Erickson Quintero from Venezuela. He added that “it’s (Biden’s) decision. But we have suffered a lot,” including from cartels and police.

Migrant numbers have fallen considerably in recent months, to around 179,000 in April. Despite this, polls portray that it is still one of Biden’s biggest electoral liabilities.

Earlier this year, Biden slammed Donald Trump and the Republicans for “weaponising” migration, by blocking his request for billions of dollars in border funding.

Biden called this an “extremely cynical, political move.” Addressing left-leaning critics, he insisted he would not “demonise” migrants and added, “For those who say the steps I’ve taken are too strict, I say to you, be patient.”

Normally, migrants entering the United States are permitted to claim asylum if they face “harm” or “persecution” on the grounds of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Many spend years waiting for their claims to be processed.

A senior official at the White House moved swiftly to defuse criticism around whether Biden is ‘effectively imitating’ Trump. He said that while in office, the Republicans “demonised immigrants, instituted mass raids, separated families at the border and put kids in cages.

Their policies went against our values as a nation.“ Donald Trump has ramped up his anti-immigration rhetoric as he seeks a White House comeback.

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2024