COVID-19 AND IMMIGRATION AT THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER
Essey Workie of the Migration Policy Institute and Dr. Scott Lillibridge of the International Medical Corps explored solutions to public health challenges faced by migrant communities amidst the pandemic, as part of the Pacific Council's First 100 Days Memo on U.S.-Mexico Policy series. Moderated by Nastasha Everheart of the Pacific Council, this event was presented in partnership with the International Medical Corps and the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust.
Watch the full conversation below:
Under the Mexico Initiative, the Pacific Council has developed a First 100 Days Memo on U.S.-Mexico Policy to be shared with President Biden and his administration, including recommendations on immigration policy. Accordingly, we are partnering with the International Medical Corps to explore health services and conditions for immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. We discussed solutions to public health challenges faced by migrant communities amidst the pandemic.
Through careful messaging, consistent focus on the relationship, and early symbolic and substantive actions, President Biden has the opportunity to reframe the relationship as one of strategic partnership. The Council’s Mexico Advisory Committee has commissioned a report focusing on actions recommended by Mexico policy experts and informed citizens that President Biden and his team can take to improve the relationship with Mexico during the first 100 days of his administration. Read the memo here.
The memo's recommendations fall under four broad themes:
Re-emphasize Washington’s view of Mexico as a key strategic partner. Convene reciprocal visits by heads of state, assign key Cabinet officials to move the relationship in a positive direction, launch a high-level bilateral forum for collaboration in key areas of common interest, and develop a joint response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Strengthen the North American region. Through the USMCA trade agreement, engage Mexico in actions designed to resolve problems and facilitate regional collaboration while sending a strong signal to our trade competitors, embracing a North American identity, and hosting a North America Summit as soon as it is safe and practical to do so.
Design immigration solutions in partnership with Mexico. Work with Mexico on a counter-pandemic border strategy, development programs for Central America to stem the flow of migrants moving north, and contingency plans for a potential post-COVID-19 immigration surge.
Partner with Mexico on issues beyond security and trade. Make educational and cultural exchanges key components of the bilateral relationship and support subnational efforts to improve the relationship.
Learn more about the Mexico Initiative.
During our recent discussion on COVID-19 and immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border, Essey Workie of the Migration Policy Institute outlined the following four actions as ways individuals and organizations can contribute to equitable health outcomes at the border:
Support organizations that provide direct services to asylum seekers.
Build linkages between health centers with faith-based and ethnic community-based groups.
Invest in culturally relevant and language accessible communication platforms for ethnic communities such as television, radio, and print newspapers.
Get creative! Contribute to plans for mobile clinics and other vaccination dissemination plans that address barriers to access like transportation.
Individuals can meet any of these four actions by volunteering. There is a need for interpreters, schedulers for vaccination appointments, and donations (food, money, and other goods). Organizations can partner with faith and ethnic-based groups, fund these organizations, and support relevant communication platforms.
