What does Trump's domestic policy bill mean for Mexican policy toward migrants? | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Migrant encampments in Mexico City
• US asylum program cancellation
• Mexican government's response to migrants
• Lack of support for migrants in Mexico
• Dangers faced by migrants (extortion, violence)
• Trump administration's migration policies
• "Mexico embraces you" program
• US domestic policy bill and border security funding

Migrant Situation in Mexico City

• Thousands of Central and Latin American migrants are stranded in Mexico City due to the Trump administration's cancellation of the asylum program.
• These migrants were waiting for their US asylum claims to be processed.
• Encampments that provided shelter have been dismantled by authorities.
• Conditions in the camps are dire: "no water, no toilet and barely enough to eat."
• In 2022, six camps appeared in Mexico City, housing up to 3,000 people.
• As of late April, a local judge halted evictions, leaving about 400 migrants in two camps.
• Migrants avoid city shelters due to safety concerns and fear of demolition of their shacks.

Impact of US Policy Changes

• The Trump administration's cancellation of asylum appointments in January left many in legal limbo.
• "There's virtually no asylum being given at the US Mexico border and that's completely illegal."
• The US is putting pressure on the Mexican government to prevent migrants from reaching the northern border.

Mexican Government's Response

• The Mexican government has a program called "Mexico embraces you" for Mexican returnees, but it offers limited support for Central American migrants and asylum seekers.
• The Mexican government is trying to offer asylum, but the process is slow due to a lack of resources.
• The local official acknowledges the difficulty of managing the crisis, noting that Mexico City used to provide greater protection for families waiting to cross into the US.
• The city shelters offered as alternatives to the camps are sometimes located in dangerous areas.

Challenges Faced by Migrants

• Migrants face dangers such as gang violence, extortion, and forced recruitment.
• They are vulnerable because they "have no defense and can't even really go to the police to plead their cases."
• There is a lack of work visas, housing, food, and schooling for migrants.
• Many migrants are deciding to stay in Mexico but lack the support needed to integrate into Mexican society and the economy.

US Policy and its Implications

• The Trump administration's domestic policy bill seeks to add over $100 billion in funding to border security and deportations.
• "150 billion for this and there's no compensation to Mexico."
• This sends the message that the US does not care what happens to migrants, as long as they leave.
• There is no recognition of the human cost of these policies.

Expert Analysis

• Lauren Carlson, Director of the America's Program at the Center for International Policy, notes that it's difficult to determine the exact number of migrants stranded in Mexico.
• She cites a figure of 39,000 people who had returned to Mexico in the first four months of the year, but this doesn't include those still stuck.
• Carlson emphasizes that many migrants are unable to move due to lack of funds and limited possibilities of joining family in the US.

Conclusion

The cancellation of the US asylum program has created a humanitarian crisis in Mexico, leaving thousands of migrants stranded and vulnerable. The Mexican government's resources are strained, and the US government's policies offer no support or recognition of the human cost. Migrants face significant dangers and lack the resources needed to integrate into Mexican society. The situation highlights the need for a more comprehensive and humane approach to migration management.