Mexican Government Starts Busing Migrants to U.S. Border for Appointments.
The Mexican government has begun transporting migrants to the U.S. border if they have appointments through a controversial phone app introduced by the Biden administration. The app allows migrants to be paroled into the U.S. under specific conditions.
The Mexican National Institute of Migration released a video showing the first bus transporting migrants from Tapachula, near the Guatemalan border, to Reynosa, close to the U.S. border. This initiative is part of the “Emerging Safe Mobility Corridor” launched by Mexico last month.
The CBP One app, expanded under the Biden administration, enables up to 1,450 migrants daily to schedule appointments at U.S. ports of entry. If they meet certain conditions, they can be paroled into the U.S. The app also allows migrants to upload necessary documents before their appointment.
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The Biden administration has emphasized the app’s role in its migration strategy, which includes increasing border funding and expanding lawful migration options. The app also allows up to 30,000 nationals from four countries to fly directly into the U.S. after approval.
Republicans have criticized the administration for allegedly misusing humanitarian parole, which is intended for urgent humanitarian cases or significant public benefit. They claim that the administration is allowing migrants in quasi-legally, noting that over 95% of those who schedule appointments are admitted.
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Mexico announced last month that it would transport foreigners to the U.S. border as part of the “safe mobility corridor” plan. Migrants with confirmed CBP One appointments will receive a temporary 20-day visa, along with transportation and food.
The app has faced criticism from a recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General report, which identified problems with vetting procedures. The report stated that while CBP uses the app’s biographic and biometric information to check for derogatory records, it does not use this information to detect suspicious trends in pre-arrival vetting.
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Immigration has become a key election issue amid a prolonged crisis at the southern border, which has consistently set new records. The Biden administration is advocating for a bipartisan Senate bill to increase border funding, blaming Congress for failing to provide adequate resources.
DHS reports a significant drop in apprehensions since President Biden’s order to temporarily suspend illegal immigrant entries. Officials claim a 50% decrease in apprehensions, the removal of over 131,000 individuals to 144 countries, and the increase in non-citizens processed through Expedited Removal to Mexico.
Republicans, including former President Trump, attribute the border crisis to Biden’s policies and the rollback of successful Trump-era measures. Trump has vowed to end parole policies and launch a major deportation effort if elected in November.