As immigration policies tighten under President Donald Trump’s administration, Mexico has introduced a new digital platform, ‘Acción Migrante,’ to provide legal guidance and mental health support to migrants in Mexico and the United States. This initiative, spearheaded by the Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), aims to assist individuals facing deportation threats and border restrictions.
The ‘Acción Migrante’ platform (available at accionmigrante.unam.mx) serves as a comprehensive resource for migrants, offering:
- Legal guidance: Ensuring that migrants understand their rights when confronted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other law enforcement agencies.
- Family reunification support: Advising families separated by deportation on available options.
- Property management assistance: Helping migrants understand what to do with their U.S.-based assets if they return to Mexico.
- Mental health services: Providing psychological support for individuals experiencing emotional distress due to migration-related challenges.
Additionally, migrants can subscribe to a WhatsApp messaging service for real-time guidance on the steps to take if they decide to return to Mexico, where they are assured a warm reception.
Why This Matters for Latinos in the U.S.
The Latino community in the U.S., particularly those of Mexican origin, has been significantly impacted by recent immigration policies. Since President Trump took office on January 20, 2025, over 13,455 individuals have been deported to Mexico, including 2,970 non-Mexican migrants, according to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Florida’s recent legislation imposing the death penalty for undocumented migrants convicted of serious crimes has added to the sense of urgency surrounding migrant protections. With such policies in place, access to legal aid and mental health services is crucial for undocumented Latinos.
Other Key Resources for Undocumented Latinos in the U.S.
For those seeking additional support, several organizations provide vital resources:
- RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services) – Offers free legal assistance for asylum seekers and deportation defense. (raicestexas.org)
- United We Dream – Provides advocacy, education, and emergency support for undocumented immigrants. (unitedwedream.org)
- The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) – Specializes in legal advocacy for low-income immigrants. (nilc.org)
- Consular Network of Mexico in the U.S. – With 53 consular offices across the U.S., this network offers assistance to Mexican nationals in distress.
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) – Educates and empowers immigrants with up-to-date legal information. (ilrc.org)
During the launch event of ‘Acción Migrante,’ Juan Ramón de la Fuente, head of the SRE and former UNAM rector, emphasized the critical role of legal guidance in protecting migrants from abuse. He pointed out that many enforcement actions violate international humanitarian law and Mexico’s commitment to human rights treaties.
UNAM’s current rector, Leonardo Lomelí, also stressed the importance of supporting Mexican nationals abroad, especially those facing job losses, asset risks, and family separations due to deportation policies.
As U.S. immigration policies grow stricter, undocumented Latinos face increasing uncertainty and hardship. The launch of ‘Acción Migrante’ demonstrates Mexico’s commitment to supporting its citizens, providing them with crucial legal aid and mental health resources. However, more advocacy and community engagement are needed to protect immigrant rights and ensure fair treatment under the law.
For undocumented Latinos in the U.S., accessing reliable information, legal aid, and mental health support is essential to navigating these challenging times. Organizations, advocates, and communities must continue working together to uphold the dignity and rights of all migrants, regardless of their immigration status.
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