New policy will return some immigrants to Mexico during processing

The United States has invoked Section 235 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen announced last week, which states that anyone entering the United States from Mexico, either illegally or without proper documentation, can be returned to Mexico until their immigration proceedings are completed.

The policy will be called “catch and return,” Nielson said, replacing the policy of “catch and release.”

The policy will allow the Department of Homeland Security to focus more attention on people who are fleeing persecution as well as to reduce illegal migration by removing any incentives that encourage immigrants to come to the United States, Neilsen said.

“Let me be clear: we will undertake these steps consistent with all domestic and international legal obligations, including our humanitarian commitments,” Nielsen said. “We have notified the Mexican government of our intended actions. In response, Mexico has made an independent determination that they will commit to implement essential measures on their side of the border. We expect affected migrants will receive humanitarian visas to stay on Mexican soil, the ability to apply for work, and other protections while they await a U.S. legal determination.”

Since 2013, there has been a 2000 percent increase in immigrants claiming credible fear when entering the United States.