By Lizbeth Diaz

MEXICO CITY, (Reuters) – Mexico should seek asylum and alternatives for migrants in detention, particularly given the anticipated rise in migration this year. This was the U.N. representative for Mexico.

Mexico had a record year with 131,448 applications for asylum last year. This was an 87% rise over 2019, when most applicants came from Central America and Haiti. According to Mexico’s Commission for Refugee Assistance. As more people flee the economic crisis brought about by the coronavirus epidemic, authorities expect this number to increase.

According to Giovanni Lepri (UN High Commissioner for Refugees Mexico), Mexico must consider alternatives beyond asylum in light of the increased number. While most immigrants who come to Mexico are looking for asylum at the Mexican border, they often intend to travel to the United States.

Lepri explained that “we think we have to be quite inventive in various public policies initiatives, and surely containment and detention, returning and asylum aren’t enough.” “We need to find other solutions for this phenomenon, which isn’t going away.”

These solutions may include alternatives for asylum seekers in obtaining legal status or employment options, he said.

Lepri stated that migrants are arriving from Venezuela in larger numbers than they did previously, which is a departure from the traditional patterns of migration from Central American countries.

Mexico has announced that Venezuelan visitors will need to have a new visa as part of its efforts to stem illegal immigration from the U.S. border.

Lepri stated that Mexico’s authorities are facing major problems as the migrant flow increases, which overwhelms humanitarian institutions. However, there are still opportunities to improve this situation.

Lepri stated that Mexico is home to nearly 130 million people …. and has the potential to play a major role in the region’s efforts.