Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, expressed her concern from Lisbon about the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border for asylum seekers, stating that it is not good and is likely to worsen. She highlighted that the announced policy of mass deportation of illegal migrants by President (Donald) Trump poses serious implications and violations of rights.
In contrast, Callamard mentioned that under the Biden Administration, the U.S.-Mexico border was closed to most asylum seekers and migrants, with limited exceptions. She criticized the complicated online process facing individuals in Mexico as they seek to register their cases, calling it dysfunctional and problematic.
In response to this migration crisis, Amnesty International is seeking to implement international law to allow asylum seekers to access this status individually, while also engaging in dialogue with the home governments of migrants to address the causes of involuntary migration and protect those affected.
Callamard emphasized the urgency of welcoming Venezuelan refugees fleeing the crisis in their country and ensuring fair treatment in their migration applications, involving the United States, Colombia, Mexico, and other countries in providing an adequate welcome and ensuring a fair and transparent asylum process.
