The Biden administration is expanding the availability of online appointment scheduling for migrants entering the United States, now extending to southern Mexico, according to officials on Saturday. Migrants from the states of Chiapas and Tabasco will be able to schedule appointments on the CBP One app, reducing the need for them to travel through northern and central Mexico to secure one of the 1,450 daily appointment slots. This move comes as a response to a request from Mexico, which has been collaborating closely with the U.S. to manage the significant migration flows.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the adjustment in the appointment zones aims to alleviate the burden on the Mexican government and improve safety for individuals seeking asylum at the U.S. border. The exact implementation date of this expansion was not provided by CBP but is expected to take place in the near future. This change has come about as a result of ongoing collaboration between the U.S. and Mexican authorities in adapting policies to address evolving migration trends and security needs.
Mexican Foreign Affairs Secretary Alicia Bárcena recently highlighted the effectiveness of the enhanced cooperation between Mexico and the U.S. in significantly reducing migration since late last year. The increased enforcement efforts by Mexican officials, including strengthened presence at checkpoints and railroads towards the U.S. border, have contributed to a notable decline in illegal border crossings and U.S. arrests during the initial months of this year.
The U.S. decision to temporarily suspend asylum processing for those entering the country unlawfully in June has further emphasized the significance of platforms like CBP One for migrants to pursue asylum in the U.S. As a result, illegal border crossings have decreased significantly, with July seeing a 30% drop in arrests compared to the previous month. The positive outcomes stemming from these collaborations have fostered a dynamic and constructive relationship between the two countries.
Since its introduction in January 2023, over 680,000 individuals have scheduled appointments through CBP One at Mexican land crossings with the U.S., with Venezuelans, Cubans, and Haitians comprising the majority. With increased security risks during the journey through Mexico, many migrants opt to fly to northern border cities such as Tijuana for their appointments after entering through Chiapas or Tabasco. Despite the potential for job opportunities and safety in Mexico City, the higher cost of living has led some migrants to reside in makeshift camps in the capital.
