| Boston, MA – In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Biden v. Texas, which allows the Biden administration to terminate the Migrant Protection Protocols (better known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy), Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition Executive Director Elizabeth Sweet issued the following statement:
“We are thrilled that the Supreme Court has ruled in support of the Biden administration, clearing the path to end the cruel Trump-era ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy.
“The ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy, which forced primarily Central and South American asylum seekers to return to Mexico to await their hearing, has proven incredibly dangerous and impractical. Asylum seekers face serious humanitarian threats while waiting in Mexico, including an increased risk of rape or kidnapping. Additionally, the process of sending asylum seekers already in the United States back to Mexico is burdensome and time-consuming, straining relations with Mexico and further slowing the asylum process.
“As relieved as we are by the end of ‘Remain in Mexico,’ we know that the federal government must do more to protect the rights of asylum seekers. At the top of this list is ending Title 42, a racist and dangerous pandemic-era public health measure that allows border officials to expel virtually all asylum seekers. We fully support the Biden administration’s efforts to end Title 42, which is currently under review in the federal courts.”
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The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, New England’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the rights and inclusion of immigrants and refugees. The MIRA Coalition includes 130-plus organizational members, including grassroots community organizations; refugee resettlement agencies; providers of social, legal and health services, faith-based organizations and civil and human rights advocates. |
