SPLC Responds to Continued Wind Down of Remain in Mexico Policy Starting Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Melissa Crow, a senior supervising attorney with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), released the following statement responding to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) announcement concerning expanded criteria for processing those subjected to the Remain in Mexico policy.   
 
“The Remain in Mexico policy trapped tens of thousands of men, women and children under dangerous conditions and deprived them of a meaningful opportunity to seek protection. Starting today, as a result of these expanded criteria, more of these individuals will be eligible for processing into the United States to pursue their claims for asylum or other relief. 
 
“While we commend the Biden administration for continuing to wind down this clearly unlawful policy, it is essential that every person affected by Remain in Mexico be able to access the U.S. asylum process – including those previously denied protection following immigration court proceedings devoid of due process, who are currently excluded from the phased entry process. 
 
“The Biden administration has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to establish a functional asylum process. Doing everything they can to remedy the harm caused by this draconian policy is crucial to achieve that goal.”