Flaws seen in Mexico's over-taxed asylum programme

Mexico City

AS the Trump administration pushes forward with its plans to harden the south-west border, Mexico has found itself under pressure to take in an increasing number of asylum seekers making their way north from Central America, many of them fleeing gang violence.

But immigrants' advocates say Mexico's asylum system and its ability to protect migrants have not kept pace with these demands, impeding access for many migrants to the safety they deserve and the refugee status they may be entitled to.

While the Mexican government has made improvements to its asylum programme in recent years and has awarded protection at increasingly higher rates, the system remains deeply flawed, leaving many …