Michigan Joins Coalition to Reverse "Remain in Mexico" Immigration Policy

Strategic Insights -

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a lower court's decision requiring the federal government to continue the "Remain in Mexico" immigration policy. The policy, also known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), requires most asylum seekers arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border to return to Mexico while awaiting their asylum hearings in U.S. immigration court. The coalition argues that this decision would have significant consequences for states and their residents, many of whom relied on parole to first enter the United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • The coalition, led by Attorney General Dana Nessel, is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a lower court's decision requiring the federal government to continue the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP).
  • The MPP requires most asylum seekers arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border to return to Mexico while awaiting their asylum hearings in U.S. immigration court.
  • Immigrants in Michigan pay almost $8 billion in state and local taxes and comprise 36,000 of the state's entrepreneurs.
  • Michigan ranked tenth among state refugee arrivals in 2019, with immigrants contributing significantly to the state's economy.
  • The coalition argues that the lower court's decision would impede the executive branch's authority to provide protection in the United States to individuals with compelling humanitarian needs.
  • Affirming the lower court's order would harm states and members of their communities, including those who have relied on parole programs in the past.
  • Immigrants in the United States attend school, enlist in the military, fill important jobs that U.S.-born workers cannot or do not want to take, and add billions of dollars to federal, state and local economies.
  • The coalition includes Illinois, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Statistics:

  • Immigrants in Michigan pay almost $8 billion in state and local taxes.
  • 36,000 immigrants comprise the state's entrepreneurs in Michigan.
  • Michigan ranked tenth among state refugee arrivals in 2019.
  • The total economic contribution of immigrants in the United States is billions of dollars.

Sources:

  • State of Michigan - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, ill-conceived hold-over from the previous administration.
  • State of Michigan - Nessel said immigrants play a vital role in Michigan's economy.
  • State of Michigan - The total number of asylum seekers arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border.
  • State of Michigan - The total number of refugees in Michigan in 2019.