The Beat Goes On: The Trump Administration to Send Mexican Asylum-Seekers to Guatemala

Hamed Aleaziz for BuzzFeed reports that the Trump administration will now send Mexican nationals — including families — who come to the U.S./Mexico border seeking asylum to Guatemala, according to documents obtained by BuzzFeed News.  The transfers are part of a program that was implemented in late November. Emailed guidance was sent to asylum officials in recent days detailing how Mexicans were now to be included in the process.  A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed the news.

The Trump administration says the plan is a key element in its strategy to deter migration at the border and restrict asylum-seekers from entering the United States. Advocates and asylum officers previously told BuzzFeed News that the unprecedented plan lacks legality and organization and will lead to immigrants being placed in dangerous circumstances.

KJ