With Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Mexico this week, the United States is pressuring its Southern neighbor to reduce illegal immigration through relocation, railway control, and visas.
NTD spoke to Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies. He explained that while Mexico’s actions can make a difference, the Biden administration’s catch-and-release policies are continuing to act as a magnet for illegal immigrants.
Mr. Krikorian also questioned Mexico’s motivation in assisting the United States. Likely to seek concessions, he said that Mexico may attempt to leverage the perceived weakness of the Biden administration. Despite the country’s potential role, Mr. Krikorian said he would recommend a joint effort, as Mexico cannot address the issue alone. Meaningful change would require policy adjustments on both sides, he said.
“There’s only so much Mexico can do,” said Mr. Krikorian. “Why would Mexico help us if we’re not taking the steps necessary to control our own border first?”
