In the wake of President Donald Trump’s inauguration, a wave of strict immigration policies took shape, effectively cutting access to asylum and deploying troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. These measures, which include the termination of humanitarian parole programs, have undermined the rights of Haitian and other Black refugees and migrants, breaching both international and domestic laws. By halting asylum processing, the U.S. has infringed on obligations set forth by frameworks like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Refugee Convention.
As asylum seekers find their pathways barred, many are compelled to seek refuge in Mexico, where Black migrants face heightened risks, including violence, discrimination, and extortion. Cultural and language barriers further exacerbate their plight, leaving them vulnerable and isolated. Many Haitians did not seek to settle in Mexico, viewing it instead as a temporary halt amidst uncertainty and fear stemming from racial prejudice.
This report draws upon archival data and firsthand accounts, revealing the ongoing violence and exploitation faced by migrants. Al Otro Lado (AOL) contributed significant research, including surveys from 102 Haitian migrants conducted in Mexico City, and an extensive analysis of interviews carried out by the Haiti Justice Partnership and other organisations.
The categorization of migrants as threats reveals a systematic denial of their asylum rights. By shifting responsibilities onto Mexico, U.S. policies evade crucial anti-refoulement principles, thereby returning vulnerable individuals to perilous conditions. As those seeking asylum are forced to linger in Mexico, it aggravates the precarious situation surrounding Haitian and other Black migrants, undermining their well-being and safety.
We call upon the United States to immediately reinstate asylum access, abolish harmful externalization policies, reinforce non-refoulement protections, and actively collaborate with Mexico to enhance the support systems for Haitian and other Black migrants, including legal documentation and housing protections.
President Trump’s immigration policies have led to the suspension of asylum access for Haitian and other Black migrants, violating international laws and pushing individuals to seek refuge in Mexico, where they face discrimination and risk. The report highlights these migrants’ plight through surveys and interviews, urging the U.S. to restore asylum access and enhance collaboration with Mexico to improve migrant protections.
In summary, the restrictive immigration policies enforced by the U.S. have profoundly affected Haitian and other Black migrants, denying them the right to seek asylum and exposing them to danger in Mexico. This situation reflects a broader failure to adhere to international laws protecting migrants, demanding urgent reform in U.S. practices. Restoring access to asylum and collaborating with Mexico to improve protections are crucial steps towards alleviating the challenges faced by these vulnerable populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
