Asylum-seekers in Mexicali in limbo after Remain in Mexico ruling
MEXICALI, B.C. (KYMA, KECY)-Following the ruling of a federal court to annul the “Remain in Mexico” policy, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) last Friday, several migrants seeking political asylum along the border to demand to enter the U.S.
In Mexicali, two families accompanied by immigration activists requested their re-entry to the US, unfortunately, they were denied in addition to allegedly being attacked by Customs and Border Protection officers, all captured on video, according to the victims.
However, just a few hours after the ruling, another court blocked the order returning to the same situation, forcing migrants to wait for their asylum case from Mexico.
“I would describe the program as a racist act towards migrants," said Guatemalan migrant mother Rosa. News 11 decided to keep her identity private due to death threats she has received.
Rosa said gang members, threatened her business and her life back in Guatemala. Rosa's only hope is to gain political asylum into the U.S. Adding that there is no ticket back home. “I don’t feel secure because I’m afraid that they will not let me back into the U.S," said Rosa.
However, with the news about the ongoing policy changes with MPP her future is at a standstill. “It’s been really confusing for us and it strictly involves and impacts us," said Rosa.
Rosa has a message to those in Washington and one plea to the Trump administration. “I pray that Donald trumps heart changes and those in power with him, that makes them aware that everyone's case is different," said Rosa.
Rosa wants the world to know that several are forced to flee their homes, not because they want too. “I left everything, my family, I don’t know if I will see them again. we’re not here to hurt anyone, we here to save our lives," said Rosa.
And in her own words, she describes the policy that has impacted thousands of lives along the border. “The program is cruel and unfair," said Rosa.
As of now, the federal court is expected to rule sometime this week whether or not MPP will be lifted. If it is, asylum-seekers waiting in Mexico will legally be able to wait in the U.S. for their immigration court hearing.
