(CMR) Tens of thousands of asylum seekers waiting in Mexico could be allowed into the United States while their applications are being processed.
The first wave of an estimated 25,000 asylum-seekers with active cases in the “Remain in Mexico” program could be allowed into the United States on February 19, AP reported. Under the program, migrants arriving at the border were sent to Mexico and were required to wait there for their court hearings in the U.S.
There is reportedly a plan to start getting these asylum seekers into the US slowly, with two border crossings, each processing up to 300 people a day and a third crossing taking fewer numbers. However, according to AP reports, these borders have not been revealed.
“As President Biden has made clear, the U.S. government is committed to rebuilding a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement.
This is President Joe Biden's latest step to roll back some of former President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies.
Those who will be allowed in the US will be tested for COVID-19.
Records reveal that approximately 25,000 asylum seekers under the program had been regularly attending their hearings before the pandemic restrictions, while 12,000 more are awaiting their first hearing.
Since taking office, President Joe Biden has signed several executive orders to undo a number of immigration policies implemented by the Trump administration.
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