The United States is exploring the possibility of establishing a refugee program for non-Mexican asylum seekers currently in Mexico, according to four sources. The discussions between US and

Mexican officials aim to create new legal pathways for migration under President Joe Biden's administration.

The program is expected to be open to refugees from countries such as Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who are currently in Mexico. To be eligible, migrants would need to demonstrate that they were in Mexico before June 6, as stated by one of the sources.

It is important to note that the sources, including a US official, a Mexican official, and two individuals familiar with the matter, emphasized that the discussions are ongoing, and no final decisions have been reached. The exact number of individuals who might benefit from this program remains unclear.

In recent years, hundreds of thousands of migrants from these four nations have traveled through Mexico on their way to the United States, driven by political and economic challenges in their home countries. This has placed significant strain on resources in both Mexico and the US, while also creating political pressure on President Biden, a Democrat who is seeking re-election in 2024.

Under the proposed plan, qualifying migrants approved for refugee status would be able to enter the US through the existing refugee resettlement program, which is typically available only to applicants outside the US. This program would offer a different approach compared to most migrants who seek asylum after entering the US through other means.

Please note that the situation is still subject to discussion, and final decisions have not yet been made. Photo by Tomascastelazo, Wikimedia commons.