President Claudia Sheinbaum has insisted that attention to Mexicans abroad is a priority, but migrants are facing a lack of leadership in the General Coordination of Consulates, where a head has not been appointed yet. Initially, Jorge Islas was expected to occupy that position, however, he has not yet been appointed.
On the other hand, the Institute of Mexicans Abroad (IME) is one of the institutions responsible for assisting migrants, but despite the announcement in August that Tatiana Clouthier would lead the IME, her appointment has not yet been finalized. The previous management of the IME during the Peña Nieto government was marked by controversies, raising expectations for the need for effective management in this new period.
The budget allocated for the protection of migrants starting in January must consider a considerable amount, given the challenges they will face. The lack of key appointments to address this challenge, along with the threat posed by the new presidency of Donald Trump and the announcements he has made to tighten immigration policies, creates a challenging scenario for the Mexican government.
The need to prepare for the expected aggression in the Trump 2 administration becomes imperative. In this sense, the expectations regarding pending appointments in the General Coordination of Consulates and the IME gain importance. Sheinbaum stands at a crossroads of sending a clear and strong message about the government's commitment to the protection of migrants, while uncertainty persists regarding the pending appointments in those institutions.
Despite this, the appointment of Tom Homan, accused of controversial actions during Trump's first presidency, to a position on border issues exemplifies the decisions of the new U.S. government concerning immigration. In contrast, the Mexican government faces the challenge of establishing effective strategies to confront the aggressive stance expected from the Trump administration.
In this context, the need to appoint suitable profiles and prepare concrete actions to protect compatriots in the United States becomes imperative. Past management and current challenges point to the urgency of having a strong and effective team in key areas to assist migrants and confront the immigration policies of the new administration in the United States.
