This bill mandates reinstating the Migrant Protection Protocols, requiring asylum seekers arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border to wait in Mexico while their immigration cases are processed, rather than remaining in the United States during proceedings.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill mandates reinstating the Migrant Protection Protocols, requiring asylum seekers arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border to wait in Mexico while their immigration cases are processed, rather than remaining in the United States during proceedings.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Return Excessive Migrants and Asylees to International Neighbors in Mexico Act of 2025 or the REMAIN in Mexico Act of 2025</strong></p><p>This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to implement the Migrant Protection Protocols as outlined in the January 25, 2019, memo titled <em>Policy Guidance for Implementation of the Migrant Protection Protocols</em>.</p><p>(The protocols generally required aliens who are not clearly admissible, including those seeking asylum, arriving by land along the U.S.-Mexico border to be returned to Mexico while their immigration proceedings are pending, rather than remain in the United States. On January 21, 2021, DHS stopped applying the protocols to newly-arrived individuals.)</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Requires DHS to implement Migrant Protection Protocols
Returns asylum seekers to Mexico during case processing
Applies to those arriving by land at the southern border
Reverses Biden administration suspension of the program
Affects individuals who are not clearly admissible
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Asylum seekers would wait in Mexico instead of the U.S. during their immigration proceedings, which can take years. Supporters say this deters fraudulent claims and reduces border crossings. Critics cite safety concerns for migrants waiting in dangerous Mexican border cities.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Immigration
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
273, 119th Congress (2025). "REMAIN in Mexico Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-273