US Immigration Policy: Mexico rejects Safe Third-Country policy after meeting with Pompeo

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U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has just finished a trip through Latin America. His focus efforts in Mexico and Central America to decrease the number of undocumented migrants trying to enter the United States. But, a sticking point is Washington's plan to impose a so-called Safe Third-Country policy, which Mexico rejects. CGTN's Franc Contreras reports from Mexico City.

Despite an array of lingering bilateral issues such as trade disputes and the presence of illegal U.S. guns flowing into Mexico, the Trump administration is focusing on one issue - immigration.

The top diplomats of the United States and Mexico met in the Mexican capital on Sunday to talk about that. A key sticking point is the issue of the so-called Safe Third-Country policy.

It would force any immigrant who travel through Mexico and now is seeking asylum in the United States to remain in Mexico. That policy is now the center of debate.

At a news conference Monday morning, Mexican Foreign Relations Secretary Marcelo Ebrard stated - Mexico will not accept the Safe Third-Country policy.

MARCELO EBRARD MEXICAN SECRETARY OF FOREIGN RELATIONS "I cannot anticipate what the position of the United States is, but the position of Mexico is very clear. We will not change that position. We do not agree and we have not accepted negotiations about it. That is the consensus in Mexico."

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo travelled next to El Salvador. At a news conference with the Salvadoran President, Nayib Bukele, Pompeo said Mexico is doing a good job helping curb illegal immigration from the region.

MIKE POMPEO US SECRETARY OF STATE "They've made real progress. Importantly they've made a real commitment towards that progress. So the numbers are good. You can see the data. It's public data. There are fewer apprehensions taking place today along our southern border. But we've got a long way to go yet."

The big question for Mexican policymakers and immigrants themselves is how will Trump's insistence on a Safe Third Country policy affect asylum seekers.

CARLOS AGUSTIN NAVARRO CUBAN ASYLUM SEEKER "I can't believe he can be so drastic with all the migrants. I do not think we all have to pay for sinners. So, I don't know. I don't know. I think this will change at some point. One day it'll be my turn to be able to ask formally for asylum."

So for now, it appears the Mexican government has taken actions that please the Trump administration. So the U.S. will not impose tariffs on Mexican products, but Mexicans know with Trump at the helm, the threat still lingers.

Franc Contreras, CGTN, Mexico City.