Nearly 22,000 Russians tried to enter the United States from Mexico after the announcement of a "partial" mobilization in Russia, CNN reported , citing data from the US border service. In two years, the number of Russians who tried to enter the United States increased by 4560%. Against this background, the United States gathered to tighten the conditions for granting asylum to foreigners traveling to the country through Mexico. This is stated in the notice of the US Department of Justice.
Foreign nationals will be denied asylum if they did not seek it in transit countries. Exceptions will be made for those who need emergency medical care or are under threat of murder, rape or kidnapping, as well as those who have become a victim of human trafficking or “other extreme circumstances”.
The corresponding initiative is subject to public discussion within 30 days, after which it can be officially approved for two years with the possibility of extension.
The Guardian notes that the proposal is the administration's "toughest plan" to curb migration. If the initiative is approved, it will limit the asylum opportunities for many citizens, with the exception of Mexicans, who do not need to pass through a third country to reach the United States.
Mexico, along with Argentina and Brazil , did not join the position of countries condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador opposed sanctions against Russia. He explained the position by the fact that he wants to "maintain good relations with all governments."