The U.N. Refugee Agency, or UNHCR, lost 60% of their budget for Mexico due to the cuts in U.S foreign aid. This resulted in the closure of four offices and increased delays in asylum claims processing.

Date: 8/25

Region: Latin America & Caribbean

Country: Mexico

Topic: Refugees & Displacement

Policy Lens: Migration & Mobility

Entry Type: Operational Impact

Additional Context: Although migration to the U.S.-Mexico border was greatly reduced in 2025, at the time of reporting asylum claims at Mexico’s refugee agency (COMAR) are at similar rates to 2024, averaging roughly 250 claims per day. (Some are turning to Mexico since they can no longer enter the U.S.) Despite the great need, cuts to U.S. foreign assistance have greatly constrained operations.

Due to U.S. funding cuts, regionally the UNHCR decreased national staff by 51%, international staff by 45%, and cut several important programs related to humanitarian support and integration.

Source: Refugees International