The Biden administration has announced plans to expand the areas in southern Mexico where migrants can apply online for appointments to enter the United States, in an effort to alleviate pressure on the Mexican government and enhance safety for individuals seeking asylum at the U.S. border.
Migrants from the states of Chiapas and Tabasco will now be able to schedule appointments through the CBP One app, extending the reach beyond northern and central Mexico. This decision comes in response to a request from Mexico, which has been working closely with the U.S. to manage the significant influx of migrants.
By allowing migrants to apply for appointments closer to their point of entry, the new policy aims to reduce the need for individuals to travel long distances through Mexico. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency has not provided a specific date for the implementation of this change but stated that it will occur soon.
Officials emphasized the importance of collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico in adapting policies to address evolving migration patterns and security concerns. Mexico's Foreign Affairs Secretary highlighted the positive impact of enhanced cooperation with the U.S. in reducing migration flows.
Recent data indicates that increased enforcement measures by Mexican authorities have contributed to a significant decrease in illegal border crossings into the U.S. The suspension of asylum processing for those entering the country illegally has further underscored the importance of avenues like CBP One for individuals seeking asylum.
Since its introduction in January 2023, over 680,000 people have scheduled CBP One appointments at Mexican land crossings with the U.S., with Venezuelans, Cubans, and Haitians being the most common nationalities. The limited slots for Mexicans reflect the high demand for appointments from the country.
Many migrants opt to fly to northern border cities like Tijuana for their appointments to avoid the risks associated with traveling through Mexico, such as kidnapping and robbery. While Mexico City offers job opportunities and relative safety, the higher cost of living has led some migrants to reside in informal camps in the capital.
