Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation to reestablish the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), commonly known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy. Initially implemented by President Donald Trump in 2019, this policy required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico during their U.S. immigration proceedings. President Joe Biden dismantled MPP in 2021, replacing it with a “catch-and-release” approach, which Republicans argue has led to a surge in illegal immigration.
Representative Roger Williams (R-TX) introduced the “Make MPP Mandatory Act” in the House, aiming to enshrine the policy into federal law. Williams stated, “Biden’s first action upon taking office four years ago was to reverse President Trump’s ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy. The consequences have proven deadly.” He emphasized the need to restore law and order by ensuring that asylum seekers await court dates from their country of origin.
In the Senate, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) introduced the CLEAR Act, which seeks to reaffirm the authority of state and local governments to enforce federal immigration laws. Blackburn criticized the Biden administration’s immigration policies, stating, “President Biden’s failure to lead permitted lawlessness across the country and resulted in the murder of innocent Americans like Laken Riley.” The CLEAR Act aims to strengthen border security and crack down on those who violate immigration laws.
These legislative efforts reflect a broader Republican strategy to solidify immigration policies ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. By codifying MPP into federal law, Republicans intend to make it more challenging for future administrations to reverse the policy through executive action alone. The move underscores the party’s commitment to addressing immigration concerns and enhancing border security.
