The so-called Migrant Protection Protocols (“Remain in Mexico”) forced people seeking asylum to wait in Mexico while their claims were heard in U.S. Immigration Courts. Trapped in Mexico, they were often targeted for horrific kidnappings, torture and violent harm.
The Trump administration initiated Remain in Mexico in December 2018, and the federal government used the policy to turn people away to Mexico.
The Biden administration initially terminated Remain in Mexico in June 2021, but several states challenged that action in court. After a court order in December 2021, the administration reimplemented and expanded Remain in Mexico consistent with that decision.
In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the Biden administration could end the policy. Litigation continues in federal district court. From its initial implementation, its expansion, litigation, and its end, Human Rights First has researched the effects of Remain in Mexico and advocated for its termination. In addition to the harm it did to asylum seekers, it represented a migration management failure, as recognized by Secretary Mayorkas.
Our Response
Fatally Flawed: “Remain in Mexico” Policy Should Never Be Renewed – September 2022
A Shameful Record: Biden Administration’s Use of Trump Policies Endangers People Seeking Asylum – January 2022
Human Rights Travesty: Biden Administration Embrace of Trump Asylum Expulsion Policy Endangers Lives, Wreaks Havoc – August 2021
Orders from Above: Massive Human Rights Abuses Under Trump Administration Return to Mexico Policy – October 2019
Delivered to Danger: Illegal Remain in Mexico Policy Imperils Asylum Seekers’ Lives and Denies Due Process – August 2019
A Sordid Scheme: The Trump Administration’s Illegal Return of Asylum Seekers to Mexico – March 2019
Any Version of “Remain in Mexico” Policy Would Be Unlawful, Inhumane, and Deadly – September 2021
Publicly reported cases of violent attacks on individuals returned to Mexico under the “Migrant Protection Protocols” – February 14, 2019 to December 15, 2020
Remain in Mexico Plan – November 2018
Amicus Letter To Mexican Supreme Court On “Remain In Mexico” – October 2023
Brief of Non-Profit Organizations and Former Immigration Judges as Amici Curiae in Support of Applicants, Biden v. Texas, 597 US ____ (2022) – August 2021
Brief Of Nongovernmental Organizations And Law School Clinics As Amici Curiae In Support Of Respondents, Mayorkas v. Innovation Law Lab, No. 19-1212 (July 23, 2021) – January 2021
House Bill Would Bring More Chaos To Border – February 2024
Human Rights First Urges Mexican Supreme Court To Find “Remain In Mexico” Illegal – October 2023
New Report Documents Devastating Toll Of Court-Ordered Reimplementation Of Remain In Mexico – September 2022
Human Rights First Welcomes Dhs Moves To Again Wind Down Remain In Mexico Policy – August 2022
With Re-Termination Of “Remain In Mexico,” Human Rights First Urges Permanent End To Inhumane Border Policies – October 2021