The US government wants to expedite the expulsion of a large group of migrants gathered under a bridge in Texas. Starting tomorrow, they must be returned by air to their countries of origin. It is mainly about Haitians, but there are also people from South America.
In recent days, the large group of migrants flooded the Texas village of Del Rio. Because the town cannot handle the large crowds, about 12,000 people camp under a bridge over the Rio Grande. The conditions are appalling: it is hot, sanitary facilities are scarce and the migrants have to arrange their own water and food.
About 400 officials have now been sent to the bridge to process the crowds. About 2000 people have already been taken to refugee camps. The Department of Homeland Security says it wants to quickly deport people who are not allowed to stay in the US.
“Our borders are not open,” a spokesperson emphasized. “People shouldn’t make this dangerous journey.”
Priming effect
Human rights lawyers criticize the accelerated procedure. It would be impossible for people to apply for asylum. Haiti was hit by an earthquake and a severe hurricane last month, and political unrest has reigned following an assassination attempt on the president. It would therefore be inhumane to fly people back.
The refugee crisis on the border is politically sensitive to President Biden. He criticized his predecessor Trump for his strict policies, but his own approach seems to have a pull.
How many people can actually be flown back also depends on the willingness of their native countries to take people back. It seems that no concrete agreements have yet been made about this.
–
