The United States Department of Homeland Security announces new policy to force asylum seekers apprehended at the southern border to remain in Mexico until their asylum hearing

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced last week that it now intends to return certain people apprehended at or near the U.S.-Mexico border who are not eligible to enter the U.S. to Mexico until their removal hearing.  This new policy applies to those seeking entry at a U.S.-Mexico land border or apprehended along the border who are not eligible to enter the U.S. but whom DHS determines should be given a removal hearing in immigration court.  Under the new policy, these people will now be issued a notice to appear in immigration court and then returned to Mexico until their immigration court hearing is scheduled.  It is unclear whether Mexican authorities will allow these people to stay in Mexico for the many years it might take for them to receive a final hearing in the U.S. immigration courts or what services Mexico will provide to these people during that time as Mexico has stated that this policy is being put in place without its agreement.  The policy does not apply to people who can show that they more likely than not would be persecuted or tortured in Mexico.

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