(Washington, DC) -- Asylum seekers in Mexico are about have to start waiting south of the border while their immigration claims are processed. The Department of Homeland Security said Thursday that U.S. immigration officials will begin to implement the so-called "Remain in Mexico" policy as soon as today. A DHS official says once the plan is implemented, asylum seekers near San Diego will be processed by immigration officials and then returned to Tijuana.
The migrants will also be given an 800-number to check their status. Unaccompanied children would not be subject to the program. The American Immigration Lawyers Association called the policy a disaster, and said asylum seekers waiting in Mexico would have substantial barriers to accessing U.S. attorneys.