Thoughts on new Biden plans for US-Mex border and a regional approach to migration from NT countries. To be clear, this announcement is a promising first step to restoring safety, order and humanity at-and beyond-the U.S. border. But challenges await. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FemlAUzCUXAffUj1PYcGF5xdFOhxi7n9/view 1/

The Trump administration decimated DHS, the immigration courts and any meaningful relationships with Mexico and NT countries. Trump outsourced our immigration system the cartels. Repairing and rebuilding these will be impossible to do on Day 1. On Day 100, much will be left. 2/

Some changes will not require new $$. But many will. Training & deployment of asylum officers, resourcing of immigration courts, humane facilities & shelters on either side of the border, funding NGOs in NT to advance civil society solutions. Congress must resource this plan. 3/

Treatment of children and UAC deserve more detail. On my read, neither are mentioned explicitly. They warrant special attention b/c they are at greatest risk and the American public is acutely aware of the impact of Trump’s policies on immigrant children. 4/

The situation on the Mexico side of the border is dire. UNHCR, IOM and other international organizations need to be funded to provide shelter and relief while the processing infrastructure is built. Support will be needed for cities and organizations on the US side as well. 5/

Ending the chaos created by the Trump administration will take people, dollars and time. The status quo undermines our safety, puts people at great risk and is a boon for cartels. This is an approach that should be supported by conservatives and liberals alike. 6/6