Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristjen Nielsen has a very simple message for the illegal caravan heading for our border, “Do not come. You will not be allowed in.” Nielsen has added her voice to that of Gen Mattis, Mike Pompey and President Trump.
The caravan started out in Honduras and moved through Guatemala and is now in Mexico and working its way northward to our southern border. The majority of those interviewed say they are coming for economic reasons and that does not fall under the guidelines for asylum. Economic refugees have no legal recourse if they are picked up at the border.
President Trump — joined by most Republicans — has insisted that that caravan cannot enter the United States, and has suggested that the caravan contains violent criminals and possible terrorists.
Democrats, meanwhile, have criticized President Trump’s handling of the caravan and many insist that the caravan members should be given asylum.
By law and treaty, immigrants who claim asylum are supposed to be entitled to proceedings to determine if they truly have a “credible fear” of death or serious bodily harm if they are forced to return to their native country. The Trump administration has made clear, however, that it intends to deny asylum for at least the vast majority of caravan members.
Noting this, Neilsen stated on Sunday, “Mexico has offered them asylum — in some cases, they have refused. Mexico has offered them work permits — in some cases, they have refused.” Nielsen concluded by encouraging caravan members to seek asylum in Mexico, rather than the United States, saying, “Mexico has offered you refuge. If you want a job, that is not asylum. If you want to be reunited with your family, that is not asylum. If you want to just come live in the United States, that is not asylum.”
If President Trump ever wants to be taken at his word ever again, he will find a way to stop the caravan.