Mexican President Announces Agreement to Maintain Open US Border Crossings

 Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has confirmed the attainment of an agreement with United States officials to maintain the opening of border crossings between the two nations, following temporary closures amid a surge in crossings.

This declaration follows a meeting between Lopez Obrador, also known as AMLO, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, along with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, engaging in 'direct' discussions addressing the complexities associated with the rising migration challenges.

Speaking at a press conference, Lopez Obrador confirmed the agreement's implementation: 'The rail crossings and border bridges are presently being reopened to restore normalcy,' he stated. 'Each day, there is increased activity on the border bridges.'

In an effort to convey a strong position on migration, a pivotal topic in the forthcoming US presidential election, President Joe Biden's administration has exerted pressure on countries across Latin America to enhance enforcement.

Addressing the regional migration challenge, Mayorkas stated in a social media post on Wednesday that 'the challenge of migration in the region demands solutions on a regional scale.' He described the meeting with Mexican officials as 'highly productive' and expressed gratitude for Mexico's dedication to persist in collaborative efforts with the United States and other partners.

Earlier this month, the US temporarily closed several border crossings, including two rail bridges, aiming to curb the escalating numbers of migrants.

The Biden administration has implemented measures that critics argue significantly curtail asylum applications, which are a protected legal right under both US and international laws.

Over numerous decades, the US has allocated substantial funds and resources toward an enforcement-centric strategy concerning immigration. Human rights advocates have condemned this policy, citing its limited efficacy in deterring individuals, often escaping violence and poverty, while simultaneously heightening risks for migrants navigating the numerous dangers along their journey north.

Globally, affluent nations have increasingly adopted stringent measures to curb migration from less affluent regions. Heightened concerns over migration have contributed to the rise of far-right politicians and parties in both the US and Europe.

Recently, France approved an immigration bill praised by President Emmanuel Macron as a necessary compromise. However, human rights organizations criticized it, labeling it as 'the most regressive bill of the past 40 years for the rights and living conditions of foreigners.'

Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally, hailed the bill as an 'ideological victory."