Asylum seekers and refugees amid the global pandemic

In light of the arrival of the global Coronavirus pandemic, the Trump government implemented multiple emergency measures to protect the health of the local population, lessen the massive outbreak, safeguard local resources, and boost the US economy.

For instance, in an effort to counter the impact of the pandemic, the current administration severely restricted immigration during the health emergency.

One of the communities most affected by restrictions in the immigration sector are asylum-seekers or refugees who come to the US through Mexico. They have been through multiple unfavorable circumstances recently.

Let’s see some examples.

1. The Migrant Protection Protocol

The Migrant Protection Protocol (MPP) is an agreement between the US government and the Mexican government.

Basically, this policy states that immigrants who wish to apply for political asylum in the US must remain in Mexico while waiting for a response to their immigration requests.

In fact, this program is also known as “Remain in Mexico”.

This policy has been devastating for asylum seekers during the pandemic, as they normally live in overcrowded temporary shelters, increasing the risk of a massive outbreak of Coronavirus.

2. The Global Coronavirus Pandemic

Due to the exponential growth in the number of people infected with Coronavirus in the US, the Trump government suspended the entry of immigrants for more than two months.

Thus, political asylum hearings resumed until the end of July, 2020, so they are considerably behind schedule.

3. Season of storms and hurricanes

Aside from the global pandemic, borders in the southern US are going through a season of storms and hurricanes. Therefore, in recent days, several floods have been reported in temporary immigrant shelters in Mexico, which worsens the risk for them.

Keep up to date with immigration news.

The UN donates pre-fab housing units for immigrants

Due to the circumstances in which asylum seekers and refugees live in Mexico, the UN decided to donate 48 prefabricated houses that will be installed on the southern borders of the US.

These houses aim to protect the health of immigrants while waiting for an opportunity to file their applications or to have a hearing with a local judge.

In addition to that, since the Coronavirus is highly contagious by human contact, most temporary shelters or foundations that normally receive asylum seekers have closed their doors to new members until the threat to public health diminishes.

Therefore, thousands of immigrants have nowhere to live and are at the mercy of circumstances that put their health and lives at risk.

However, this news from the UN revives hope and desire for immigrants who want to build a promising future in the US.

We can help you with your immigration case!

Nowadays, after almost four months, we can see how immigration services are resuming and responses to applications of foreigners who want to enter and reside legally in the country are streamlined.

It is important to have the help of specialists during these times of crisis. In that way, you can ensure that you are organizing the correct documentation and are taking the necessary steps to make your immigration application successful.

If you have any questions about an immigration issue or relating to a case you may have currently in progress, then please don’t hesitate to contact us for a FREE Phone Consultation with one of our expert immigration attorneys.

Simply call Motion Law today at: (202) 918-1799.