US Supreme Court puts a stop to Biden's migration policy

Mexican migrant Eberardo, in front of the wall separating the United States from Mexico, in Tijuana, July 11, 2021. © Jorge Duenes, Reuters

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4 min

The US Supreme Court said Tuesday, August 24, that an immigration policy forcing asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for their summons must be reinstated.

The decision thus deals a blow to the administration of President Joe Biden and requires the restoration of the system of the administration of Donald Trump.

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As part of the "Stay in Mexico" (

Remain in Mexico

)

of former president Donald Trump, tens of thousands of non-Mexican asylum seekers - mostly from Central America,

but also in Africa

 - were

returned across the border pending the outcome of their application

.

Upon arriving in Washington, Joe Biden's administration quickly

began to dismantle this controversial policy

, officially called the “ 

Migrant Protection Protocols

 ” (PPM).

This initiative made its way through the American judicial system: the Biden administration then asked the Supreme Court to suspend the reinstatement of the program.

But in a brief unsigned order, the high court said on Tuesday that " 

the stay request ... is denied,

 " reinstating the policy put in place in 2018 by the Trump administration.

According to the document, the court's three progressive justices - Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan - said they would have authorized the suspension, being in favor of the Democratic administration's stance.

While waiting for the call, Washington must follow the policy of the former president

The case can now proceed at a lower level, before a court of appeal.

Joe Biden's Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said he " 

regrets that the Supreme Court has refused to grant a stay

 ."

He added that " 

while the appeal process continues, however, DHS will comply with the order in good faith

 ."

Immigrant rights groups also protested the Supreme Court's order.

" 

Today's SCOTUS (Supreme Court) ruling, which forces the reestablishment of the

'stay in Mexico' policy

, is nothing short of cruel,

 " said Yael Schacher, Senior Counsel for the States -United with

Refugees International,

adding that “ 

the Biden administration should not view this decision as a warrant

.

"

(with AFP)

►

To read also

: 

The United States and Mexico are opening a "new era" in their relations

🚨 "The Biden admin must not see this [SCOTUS Remain in Mexico] decision as a mandate — but submit a new termination memo so that we do not inflict suffering on those seeking safety and restore fair access to asylum at the border."

More from @YaelSchacherhttps: //t.co/NQSTe3Ib4C

- Refugees International (@RefugeesIntl) August 25, 2021

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