The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently announced an increase in resources at the border as Title 42, a public health order that allowed for the expulsion of migrants due to COVID-19 concerns, expires amidst pressure from advocates and lawmakers.
Title 42 was implemented in March 2020 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the Trump administration, and it allowed for the immediate expulsion of migrants, including asylum seekers, without due process. The order was extended multiple times by the Biden administration, but it is set to expire on July 31, 2021.
Advocates and lawmakers have been pressuring the Biden administration to end Title 42, citing concerns about the violation of human rights and the lack of due process for migrants seeking asylum. They argue that the order has led to the expulsion of vulnerable individuals, including unaccompanied children and families with young children, back to dangerous situations in their home countries.
In response to the expiration of Title 42, DHS has announced an increase in resources at the border to manage the influx of migrants. The agency has stated that it will continue to enforce COVID-19 protocols and will use a combination of testing, quarantine, and isolation measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
DHS has also announced plans to increase staffing at ports of entry and Border Patrol stations, as well as to expand processing capacity for migrants. The agency has stated that it will work with non-governmental organizations and other partners to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need.
The increase in resources at the border comes amidst a surge in migration, with over 180,000 migrants encountered at the southern border in May 2021 alone. The majority of these migrants are from Central America and are fleeing violence, poverty, and political instability in their home countries.
While the increase in resources at the border may help manage the influx of migrants, advocates and lawmakers argue that it is not enough to address the root causes of migration. They are calling for a comprehensive approach that includes addressing the underlying issues that drive people to leave their homes, such as poverty, violence, and political instability.
In conclusion, the expiration of Title 42 has put pressure on the Biden administration to address the humanitarian crisis at the border. While the increase in resources at the border is a step in the right direction, advocates and lawmakers are calling for a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of migration. Only then can we truly address the humanitarian crisis at our southern border.
