End MPP for All

Since January 2019, the Trump administration’s Remain in Mexico policy, also known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), has trapped more than 70,000 people, including tens of thousands of children, for months in dangerous conditions in northern Mexico while they await hearings on their asylum claims in the United States. The children and families subjected to the policy have faced murder, kidnapping, violence, and threats and have been targeted for being immigrants in Mexico. Remain in Mexico has caused profound harm to the physical and mental health and well-being of children. In January 2021, the Biden-Harris administration suspended new enrollments in MPP and decided to terminate MPP in June 2021. However, thousands of families and children remain stranded and forced to brave threats of violence and dangerous conditions in Mexico in order to pursue their claims for protection. In addition, with Texas and Missouri filing a lawsuit against the government challenging its decision to end MPP, the legal battle to end MPP continues. In collaboration with a coalition of immigrant and children’s rights organizations, the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights has filed an amicus brief in support of the government’s decision to end MPP. Click here to learn more about the amicus brief. Prior to this, in January, the coalition had filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in opposition to the so-called Migrant Protection Protocols, focusing on the harm to children.

The stories* highlighted here capture the hardships and dangers children face because of the Remain in Mexico policy. We are moved by the resilient and courageous children who braved immense obstacles to seek and find safety and honored to share parts of their stories with the world.

Featured

Deported to Danger: Ana's Story

At the tent courts at the border under the Remain in Mexico policy, children like Ana who’ve survived abuse and violence lack access to appropriate and safe spaces, counsel, child-welfare professionals, and Child Advocates to help them tell their stories and seek protection.

A Family Torn Apart: Oscar’s Story

Oscar, a six-year-old boy, and his father were separated from his mother and younger brother for nearly eight months because of an arbitrary decision by a Customs and Border Protection agent.

Kidnapped and Scarred: Juan's Story

Juan was kidnapped while staying in a refugee camp in Mexico and fell terribly ill without access to the medical attention he needed. His story is not unique. Thousands are forced into these conditions, without safety, basic medical care, and other necessities.

Denied a Fair Chance to Tell Their Story: Rosa and Alejandra's Story

Lack of child-specific procedural safeguards and due process result in asylum-seeking children like Rosa and Alejandra being returned to danger and persecution under the Remain in Mexico policy.

Living with Threats and Trauma: Mateo's Story

Despite threats of kidnapping, Mateo and his family were forced to stay in a refugee camp in Mexico for months and then denied protection when they appeared for their court hearing at the border.

Separated from Loving Parents: Jose's Story

Because of the Remain in Mexico policy, Jose had to make a difficult choice to find safety. As a result, he remains separated from his parents who are trapped in dangerous conditions in a refugee camp.

*Children’s names have been changed to protect their privacy.