Mexican and US agrees to work together to tackle record migration at their shared border

Mexican and U.S. officials have jointly declared their commitment to address the surge in migration at their shared border, following high-level talks between the two nations. The joint statement, issued after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Mexico, outlines plans to strengthen a sponsorship initiative for migrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Haiti. Additionally, the governments aim to address the root causes of migration.

The discussions also covered initiatives to regularize the status of beneficiaries of the U.S. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, commonly known as Dreamers, and long-time undocumented Hispanic migrants residing in the United States. Both parties intend to continue working closely on these matters, with further meetings scheduled in Washington next month.

The talks followed the temporary closure of some U.S.-Mexico border crossings, which led to concerns about trade disruptions and drew criticism from Republicans regarding the Biden administration’s handling of border policies. Migration and border issues are anticipated to be significant topics in the 2024 U.S. elections.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador confirmed that border crossings were reopened after the temporary closures, emphasizing the normalization of the situation. He praised the direct and positive nature of the discussions with the U.S. delegation and highlighted the cooperative relationship between the Biden administration and Mexico.

The joint efforts come amid an increased number of migrants crossing the challenging Darien Gap jungle from South America to Central America. Factors such as crime, poverty, and conflict drive many to seek better prospects in the United States. A recent caravan of migrants and asylum seekers, estimated at 1,500 people by President Lopez Obrador, is slowly moving through southern Mexico toward the U.S. border.

While the issue of fentanyl trafficking, a potent opioid trafficked by Mexican cartels into the U.S., was discussed during the meeting, President Lopez Obrador noted that it was not a prominent topic. The U.S. has urged Mexico to intensify efforts against fentanyl trafficking, while Mexico seeks stronger U.S. controls to prevent firearms from reaching cartels.