Mexico has unveiled a new plan to enhance safety and conditions for non-Mexican migrants with asylum appointments in the United States. The initiative involves providing escorted bus rides from southern Mexican cities to the U.S. border, allowing migrants to apply for asylum in safer areas rather than facing risks in Mexico City and border towns.
Announced on August 31, the policy change is in response to an expansion of access to CBP One applications by the U.S. government. This expansion now includes southern Mexico, helping manage the asylum process and reduce overcrowding at the border.
The new policy will offer a 20-day transit permit for migrants to travel legally to the northern border. Departing from Villahermosa, Tabasco, and Tapachula, Chiapas, the buses will be accompanied by security agents to ensure safe travel. Additionally, migrants will receive food during the journey.
Mexican authorities have pledged to honor asylum appointments for migrants stopped at checkpoints. The goal of the initiative is to ease overcrowding in Mexico City and provide migrants with better opportunities while they await their appointments.
What is CBP One?
CBP One is a free mobile app for scheduling entry appointments to the U.S. It is accessible to all migrants without proper documentation, with appointments assigned randomly. No payment is required, and attempts to purchase appointments are fraudulent.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAÍS USA Edition
