DHS issues statement on MPP entry procedures

The US Department of Homeland Security issued a statement on the first steps to allow people stuck in the Migrant Protection Protocols program to reenter the United States. According to DHS,

“DHS and its international partners have now initiated the virtual registration process for individuals who had been forced to return to Mexico under the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) and have a pending case before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). The United States is continuing to strictly enforce existing immigration laws and border security measures. Individuals should not approach the border, including at designated ports of entry, unless and until they are approved and receive appointment information through the remote registration process.”

According to DHS, 25 people have already been processed through San Ysidro at the port of entry. The entry process was reported to be “orderly, safe, and efficient.” The efforts are being coordinated between multiple US agencies as well as international organizations.

The registration process for people to schedule a time to enter the US has been dogged by technical issues. Many registrants are reporting that after completing an application they are stuck and not able to select a time. The officials who are managing the application have stated that they have seen numerous successful registrations, however. As previously reported, there are estimated to be 25,000 individuals with active cases, and so it will likely take some time to admit everyone.