Title 42, the rule that allowed for the hot removal of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, expires
The controversial Title 42the rule in the United States that allowed for the hot removal of migrants for public health reasons, came to an end Thursday at 9:59 p.m. local time in El Paso, Texas, where local, state and federal authorities raced against the clock to prepare for a increased influx of people.
Imposed during the administration of former President Donald Trump, praised by Republicans, reviled by human rights activists and maintained by the administration of Democrat Joe Biden, despite criticism from his own party, its lifting has sparked rumors and a new political battle between progressives and conservatives.
In front of gate number 42 of the U.S.-Mexico border fence, about 10 miles east of the town of El Paso, Texas, calm reigned. On the north side of the fence, dozens of journalists remained stationed as well as several Border Patrol agents.
South of the five-and-a-half-meter high wall, out of sight, a few a wait, between the vaya and the Rio Bravo, to be processed and transferred to centers run by the authorities.
At 15.15 it began the operation of the border agents which moved the most vulnerable migrants, mostly minors, in a bus and several vans. Border Patrol chief Raul Ortiz said the processing and transfer operation would take 24 hours.
A border agent present at the gate confirmed that the transfer would continue and insisted that. the priority had been to take the children, although he added that “the temperature is mild and will not pose a danger to those still waiting”.
“As of tonight, people arriving at the border without using the legal channels will be considered ineligible for asylum. We stand ready to process and humanely remove those who have no legal basis to remain in the U.S.,” the Homeland Security secretary said in a statement, Alejandro Mayorkas. “Don’t believe the lies of the human traffickers. The border is not open,” he warned.
We have 24,000 Border Patrol Agents and Officers at the Southwest Border and have surged thousands of troops and contractors, and over a thousand asylum officers to help enforce our laws. Do not believe the lies of smugglers. The border is not open. (2/4)
– Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas (@SecMayorkas) May 12, 2023
As of this time the following will apply to refugees entering the country. Title 8, the rule that has historically governed migration in the United States.. In addition, the administration of President Joe Biden has announced new measures restricting access to asylum applications at the border with Mexico.
These new measures deem migrants “ineligible” to apply for asylum if they cross irregularly the border and that Have not sought protection in a third country during their journey to the U.S.
However, from the most ultra-conservative sector of the Republican Party, information has been propagated that the lifting of Title 42 means, in practice, a policy of open doors to migration.
“As President Biden opens the floodgates to more illegal immigration, Texas Resists“, insisted this afternoon the governor of this border state, Greg Abbott.
Texas is doing more than any state in the history of America to defend our border.
Thank you to @TexasBorderCzarTexas National Guard soldiers, and DPS troopers for stepping up to respond to this Biden-made crisis. pic.twitter.com/u1V68VuNnJ
– Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX). May 12, 2023
The Army will support surveillance efforts with 1,500 troops, the state has sent National Guard reinforcements, and the city of El Paso, for example, has set up 4,500 beds to receive refugees who have passed the police screening and has cooperated fully with security agencies to clear a migrant camp that was set up a few days ago around a church in the center of the city.
