What will happen to migrants after the United States ends Title 42?
As Title 42 comes to an end, the White House presents an outline of all it is doing to step up border enforcement.
At 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, a legal appeal filed during the presidency of Donald Trump called ‘Title 42′ expired, making the entrance into the United States for asylum seekers and other migrants easier for the first time since the pandemic began. When implemented, Title 42 caused the immediate expulsion of at least three million people who entered the North American country illegally.
Consequently, the US authorities will apply Title 8 as a sanction and restriction measure, replacing the old regulations, which make it possible to deport migrants who cross the border illegally to reach the country. In addition, according to the White House, “an individual [..] removed under Title 8 is subject to at least a five-year ban on reentry into the United States and can face criminal prosecution if they attempt to cross again.”
What will happen to the migrants who hope to go to the USA?
State officials and border agents estimate the arrival of tens of thousands of migrants in the United States. Three cities in Texas, El Paso, Laredo, and Brownsville, have declared a state of emergency awaiting the arrival of migrants who will be in need of food, shelter, and other forms of support.
US authorities assured that they have prepared for an increase in the migratory phenomenon through the construction of shelters that will serve as temporary facilities, as well as the design of new measures that enable a more orderly migratory flow. During a press conference from the White House yesterday, Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas explained that the expiration of Title 42 does not come as a surprise to DHS.
“We [DHS] are delivering tougher consequences for unlawful entry. During the first half of this fiscal year, we returned, removed, and expelled more than 665,000 people,” said the Secretary. The GOP has been quick to attack the Biden administration for letting Title 42 expire, and the White House has responded by highlighting all of the enhancements to border security they have made over the last two years.
Leaving very few options for asylum seekers
Humanitarianism is not at the top of the agenda, with the Secretary noting that under Title 8 “anyone arrives at our southern border after midnight tonight, they will be presumed ineligible for asylum and subject to steeper consequences for unlawful entry, including a minimum five-year ban on reentry and potential criminal prosecution.” The administration justifies harsher punishments by arguing that it has opened up new paths to apply for legal status in the US.