The United States, Mexico, and Canada are using a digital platform to require migrants to check their eligibility for any programs before beginning their journey to the border, so they can receive travel authorization. Otherwise, they will be immediately deported from all three countries.
This new strategy, described as the latest in a series of North American efforts, comes at a time of unprecedented movement in the Western Hemisphere and is designed to combat the root causes of irregular migration, defined as the flight of thousands of people from their countries of origin due to poverty, lack of opportunities, violence, drug trafficking, government corruption, and the effects of climate change, among other reasons.
SMOKESCREEN?
The reality of immigration in the United States has faced changing patterns that pose unique challenges for Joe Biden; however, many question whether this measure will be yet another of the many soft policies that have NOT contributed to controlling the immigration crisis and HAVE generated strong criticism among Republicans and Democrats.
TO COVER THE SUN WITH ONE FINGER
One of the main points of the agreement was the announcement of the creation of this digital site with access to information regarding legal pathways available to emigrate to the three countries, an initiative that the USA has been using since last year to receive immigrants from Ukraine and Venezuela, and for the last few weeks to Cubans, Haitians and Nicaraguans.
IT WAS TIME TO REACH AN AGREEMENT
Through this plan, they seek to implement “practical steps to improve coordination and address the root causes of irregular migration” in the region, which has reached an unprecedented level of migration, with migrants fleeing their countries in search of asylum, primarily at the southern border of the United States.*
*The agreements include the opening of a migrant center in Tapachula on the southern border of the United States.
IT WAS TOO MUCH FOR BIDEN
Many believe that the immigration issue has gotten out of President Joe Biden's control, which is why he is seeking, through this alliance with Mexico and Canada, to stop the flow of migrants from the main source countries such as Venezuela, Nicaragua, Cuba, and El Salvador.
MEANWHILE?
During this summit, Mexico, the US, and Canada strengthened their relationship and affirmed their commitment to building a more equitable, fair, inclusive, resilient, secure, and prosperous North America.
Now, we can only wait to see how much of what was discussed at this summit can be put into practice to achieve more equitable results that respond to the needs and aspirations of migrants.
Do you think this digital platform will work for such an advanced migration problem?
FOUNTAIN: Editorial Staff/With information from Univision/CNN