Trump’s Remain in Mexico policy could be revived under new House GOP bill
House Republicans are making moves to solidify the Remain In Mexico policy, a key element of former President Donald Trump’s border strategy. Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas is spearheading this effort, aiming to reintroduce the Migrant Protection Protocols through legislation.
The policy, implemented by Trump in 2019, mandated that asylum-seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border wait in Mexico for their immigration proceedings. Despite a federal judge blocking the Biden administration from ending the program, new cases ceased to be processed under it in 2022. President Biden had campaigned on discontinuing the policy due to concerns about the treatment of migrants waiting in Mexico.
Advocates of Remain In Mexico argue that it is a necessary measure to alleviate the burden on U.S. border towns and cities, strained by the influx of illegal crossings and asylum-seekers. Gill’s bill, introduced just before Trump’s second term begins, seeks to enshrine the policy into law, making it more challenging to overturn in the future.
The push to codify this policy is part of a broader effort by Congressional Republicans to prepare for Trump’s return to office. A slew of conservative proposals has been put forth since the start of the 119th Congress, with a focus on immigration and border security. The House recently passed a bill allowing federal officials to detain migrants accused or convicted of theft-related crimes, garnering bipartisan support.
Looking ahead, Trump has expressed a desire for a proactive first 100 days in office, leveraging Republican control of Congress to advance his agenda. The White House has yet to comment on these developments.
Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, is closely following these developments in the House of Representatives. For more updates, follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and reach out with any tips at elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.
