Mexico implements a plan to facilitate the safe transfer of migrants to the U.S.

The Government of Mexico has launched an ambitious plan to facilitate the transfer of migrants who have an appointment in the 'CBP One' application, used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office to manage asylum requests. The measure, announced on Saturday by the Secretariat of the Interior (Segob) and the National Institute of Migration (INM), aims to create an "Emerging Corridor for Safe Mobility" that allows these individuals to reach their appointments without facing the risks associated with traveling on their own. Mexican authorities have indicated that this initiative responds to the recent possibility for migrants to manage their appointments directly in Chiapas and Tabasco, which has been well received by those seeking asylum in the northern country. "Since the implementation of this new measure, it has been possible to respond to the requests of 300 people in a short period," official sources reported, reflecting a capacity for response that could facilitate the migration process. The announcement comes at a critical moment, just months before the presidential elections in the United States, where immigration policy has become a central topic of debate. In this context, the Mexican government appears to be seeking to disincentivize congestion at the border while offering a more humane and safe option for those looking to enter U.S. territory legally. The plan includes the use of buses to transport migrants, who will be accompanied by security authorities at the federal, state, and municipal levels. Departure points have been established at the Migration Station in Villahermosa and the Southern Zone Migration Regulation Office in Tapachula, ensuring an organized and controlled start to the journey. During the trip, food will be provided to travelers, emphasizing a focus on the dignity and well-being of migrants. Additionally, the Mexican government has implemented the issuance of a Multiple Migration Form (FMM), which grants migrants a regular stay status in the country for a period of 20 days. This measure is crucial, as it allows asylum seekers to transit without the risk of being detained, providing greater security to those in vulnerable situations. Moreover, it has been emphasized that immigration policy will prioritize family unity, allowing family units to travel together. This addresses one of the main fears faced by migrants: the separation from their loved ones during the transfer process. The government's commitment to protecting families is an important step toward safer and more orderly migration. However, despite these initiatives, it is essential to note that irregular migration has significantly increased in the past year, with a 193% rise in the first half of 2023. More than 712,000 people have crossed irregularly through Mexico, highlighting that, despite the government’s efforts, the migratory situation remains complex and challenging. Amid this landscape, the environment of insecurity and violence that many migrants face during their journey through Mexico remains a critical issue. The recent shooting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which left at least four dead, is a reminder that violence and organized crime are problems that transcend borders and affect all countries in the region. The challenge facing Mexico lies not only in managing the flow of migrants but also in ensuring their safety and dignity as they cross the country in search of a better future. With the new "Emerging Corridor for Safe Mobility," the Mexican government has taken a significant step toward creating a more humane and orderly system for those seeking asylum, but it remains to be seen whether these measures will be sufficient in the context of an ongoing migration crisis.