DHS Explains Termination of Migrant Protection Protocols

November 2nd, 2021
Posted By
Heather Sivaraman

Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas released a memorandum on October 29, 2021 announcing and explaining the immediate termination of the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) program. The implantation of the MPP termination will be executed as soon as possible after the injunction is vacated.

Mayorkas sated, "MPP had endemic flaws, imposed unjustifiable human costs, pulled resources and personnel away from other priority efforts, and did not address the root causes of irregular migration. MPP not only undercuts the Administration’s ability to implement critically needed and foundational changes to the immigration system, it fails to provide the fair process and humanitarian protections that individuals deserve under the law."

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) therefore concludes that the benefits of the MPP Program do not justify the costs. The specific costs in question is the diminishing of foreign policy objectives, regional and domestic goals, and domestic policy initiatives that align with Biden’s administration’s values.

MPP put a strain on the diplomatic relationship with Mexico and focused efforts and resources on a single disincentivizing program rather than address the root reasons of migration and addressing transnational criminal and smuggling networks.

Having assessed the benefits and costs of the previous implementation of MPP, including how the program could potentially be improved, DHS has concluded that there are inherent problems with the program that no amount of resources can sufficiently fix. Therefore, the program has been terminated effective immediately.

For More Information:

View the original memorandum here.

This blog post does not serve as legal advice and does not establish any client-attorney privilege. Do not take any action based on the information contained in this post without consulting a qualified immigration attorney. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our legal team directly.

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Categories: Immigration News