In Washington, D.C., newly elected Congressman Brandon Gill of Texas’s 26th District has introduced his inaugural piece of legislation, the “REMAIN in Mexico Act.” This bill seeks to codify the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), commonly known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy, initially implemented during President Donald Trump’s administration. The policy mandates that asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border remain in Mexico while awaiting their immigration court hearings.
Gill, a Republican and political newcomer, emphasizes the necessity of enshrining this policy into law to prevent future administrations from altering it through executive action. He argues that the previous reliance on executive orders for such policies has led to inconsistent border security measures. “We had border security under President Trump. Joe Biden got rid of it. Why is that? It’s because everything’s been done through executive order,” Gill stated in a recent interview.
Supporters of the bill assert that it will deter unauthorized border crossings by removing incentives for migrants to enter the U.S. illegally. They believe that requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico reduces the strain on U.S. immigration infrastructure and discourages frivolous asylum claims.
Conversely, human rights organizations have criticized the policy, labeling it as inhumane. Reports have documented that migrants residing in border cities under MPP face significant dangers, including exposure to violence from cartels and inadequate living conditions in makeshift camps. A study by Human Rights First identified at least 1,544 publicly documented cases of rape, kidnapping, assault, and other crimes committed against individuals sent back under MPP through February 2021.
The introduction of this bill coincides with President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to implement stricter immigration policies upon taking office. The Biden administration recently extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 1 million migrants from countries such as El Salvador, Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela, allowing them to renew work permits and deportation protections until 2026. This move is seen as an effort to provide temporary relief before the anticipated policy shifts under the incoming administration.
As the “REMAIN in Mexico Act” progresses through the legislative process, it is expected to ignite rigorous debates on Capitol Hill. The bill’s advancement will depend on garnering sufficient support amid a politically divided Congress, where immigration remains a deeply contentious issue.
