On Thursday, a wave of migrants hurriedly crossed the Mexico border, attempting to enter the US prior to the lifting of pandemic-related asylum restrictions known as Title 42. This sudden influx of migrants poses a significant challenge to the already struggling US immigration system. Many migrants were anxious that the lifting of these restrictions would result in heightened difficulty in securing their stay in the US.
What is Title 42
Title 42, which grants US authorities emergency powers to prevent the spread of diseases, is a provision originating from the 1944 Public Health Act. In March 2020, the Trump administration utilized this provision to curb the transmission of Covid-19 across borders.
title 42 policy
While Title 42 was in effect, authorities were able to expeditiously deport migrants, including those seeking asylum, who attempted to cross the Mexico border, citing the pandemic as a justification. According to the US Customs and Border Protection, during the period of enforcement of Title 42, approximately 2.8 million individuals were expelled.