DOJ postpones ‘remain in Mexico’ asylum hearings News
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DOJ postpones ‘remain in Mexico’ asylum hearings

The Trump administration announced Monday that Migrant Protection Protocol asylum hearings scheduled through April 22 will be postponed due to COVID-19.

The joint statement between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) calls on those with hearings to present at their port of entry on their original hearing date to reschedule.

These hearings, known as “Remain in Mexico” hearings, have been criticized for subjecting migrants to dangerous conditions by sending non-Mexicans to Mexico to await the review of their case. The policy was blocked by the Ninth Circuit earlier this month, but on March 11 the Supreme Court allowed the policy to stay in effect while appeals to the Supreme Court are filed.

“DHS and EOIR are deeply committed to ensuring that individuals ‘have their day in court’ while also ensuring the health and safety of aliens, our frontline officers, immigration court professionals, and our citizens,” the statement said.

For more on COVID-19, see our special coverage.

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