The Biden administration has announced plans to expand online appointment scheduling for migrants seeking asylum in the United States to include parts of southern Mexico. This move aims to ease the burden on the Mexican government and reduce potential dangers for migrants traveling to the U.S. border.
Migrants from the states of Chiapas and Tabasco will now be able to schedule appointments on the CBP One app, extending the zone from northern and central Mexico. This decision was made in response to a request from Mexico, which has become a key partner in addressing migration challenges.
By allowing migrants to apply for appointments closer to their point of entry into Mexico, the new policy will eliminate the need for them to travel to northern regions to secure an appointment. This change is expected to take place soon, although an exact date has not been provided.
The U.S. and Mexico have been working together to address migration issues, with Mexico increasing enforcement at checkpoints and railroads leading to the U.S. border. This collaborative effort has led to a significant decrease in illegal border crossings and a more positive relationship between the two countries.
Since the introduction of CBP One appointments in January 2023, over 680,000 people have scheduled appointments at Mexican land crossings with the U.S. The top nationalities seeking asylum are Venezuelan, Cuban, and Haitian. U.S. authorities have limited slots for Mexicans due to the high demand from other nationalities.
The expansion of online appointment scheduling to southern Mexico is expected to further streamline the asylum process and improve safety for migrants seeking protection in the United States.
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