Mexico has announced an ambitious plan called “Mexico Embraces You” to receive deported citizens from the United States. Nine reception centers will be built along the border in parking lots, stadiums, and warehouses, with mobile kitchens operated by the armed forces. Nearly every branch of government will be involved in the initiative to provide support to returnees, including medical attention, job links, and social welfare programs.
While Mexico has the largest number of undocumented citizens living in the United States, the government has been preparing for the anticipated large-scale deportations, despite President Claudia Sheinbaum’s disagreement with them. Mexico is also negotiating agreements with Mexican companies to provide job opportunities for returnees and is coordinating with other countries in the region facing similar challenges.
However, experts are concerned about the long-term impact of deportations on the mental health of returnees and the challenges facing existing shelters in Mexico that may not have enough resources to support large numbers of deportees. While the United States has recently begun halting foreign aid that supports services for migrants and deportees, the Mexican government plans to create new shelters and increase the capital’s capacity to house migrants in anticipation of needing additional support.
Ultimately, Mexico’s efforts to support returning citizens from the United States will require collaboration with the U.S. government and other countries in the region to address the potential crisis that could arise from large-scale deportations and the sudden halt in foreign aid. The Mexican government remains committed to voluntary repatriation and assisting non-Mexican nationals waiting for asylum hearings in the United States to return to their countries of origin.
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