First bus of migrants arrives in U.S. from southern Mexico

Mexico's National Institute of Migration (INM) has initiated a new program called the 'Secure Emerging Mobility Corridor,' which provides free transportation for migrants from the Mexico/Guatemala border to U.S. entry points. This program, announced after discussions between the Biden-Harris administration and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, aims to streamline the process for migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. The first bus under this initiative arrived in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, early Wednesday morning, carrying migrants from various Central and South American countries. The program allows migrants to receive meals and security during their journey, with the goal of better managing the flow of migrants into the U.S. The buses depart from Villahermosa, Tabasco, and Tapachula, Chiapas, and are scheduled to coincide with appointments made through the CBP One smartphone application. This application has expanded access for migrants, allowing them to schedule their entry into the U.S. for asylum claims without the need for a credible fear interview, which is typically a prerequisite. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to regulate migration and has the potential to facilitate the entry of up to 1,450 migrants daily under the CBP One program. This coordinated effort marks a significant shift in how migrants can access asylum in the U.S., as it expands the geographic regions from which they can apply. While the program aims to provide a more organized approach to migration, it has not been authorized by Congress, raising questions about its long-term sustainability and legality. The collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico reflects ongoing efforts to address the complexities of migration in the region.