According to four sources, "American and Mexican officials are discussing a new American refugee program for some non-Mexican asylum seekers waiting in Mexico, as part of President Joe Biden's efforts to open up additional legal pathways for immigration." It is reported that "the program is likely to be open to refugees from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela currently in Mexico," with one source stating: "Migrants will need to prove they were in Mexico before June 6 to qualify for the program."
The sources, which include an American official, a Mexican official, and two informed individuals who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that "the matter is still under discussion and no final decisions have been made yet. It is unclear how many individuals might benefit from such a program."
Hundreds of thousands of migrants from those four countries have traveled through Mexico to reach the United States amid political and economic turmoil in recent years, leading to a drain on resources in both countries and putting political pressure on Biden, a Democrat who is seeking re-election in 2024.
The sources indicated that "the proposed plan under discussion would allow eligible migrants who have been approved by authorities for refugee status to enter through the U.S. refugee resettlement program, which is only available to applicants from outside the country. Unlike most migrants who apply for asylum after entering the U.S., these refugees receive immediate work permits and government benefits such as housing and employment assistance."
Refugees using the U.S. resettlement program can apply to become permanent residents within a year. For approval, they must prove they face persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
The Mexican Foreign Ministry stated in a statement that it is "in constant communication with the United States regarding the expansion of labor mobility and the protection of refugees," and clarified that it has "held discussions on various programs and policies for this purpose while always maintaining national sovereignty." It added that it has "not yet reached any agreement with the United States."
