Tens of thousands of individuals are awaiting entry into the United States from Mexico after the expiration of a pandemic-era border policy known as Title 42. This policy allowed for the swift deportation of people without granting them an asylum hearing, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as justification. After three years, Title 42 ended along with the country’s national health emergency related to COVID-19.
President Biden’s new rules intended to replace Title 42 are currently facing legal challenges. The expiration of the policy led to a rush of people attempting to reach the border before the changes took effect. Many individuals in the town of El Paso, Texas, expressed uncertainty regarding the new rules and reported being confused by rumors and misinformation.
The end of Title 42 triggered a desperate race to the US-Mexico border, with approximately 10,000 people crossing each day, the highest levels recorded. Border authorities stated that they had not observed a significant increase in migrant crossings since the policy’s expiration. The Mexican government estimated the number of waiting migrants at just under 27,000, which is less than half of the US estimate of 60,000.
Although it was relatively quiet in El Paso after makeshift migrant camps were mostly removed from the city’s streets, local authorities and humanitarian organizations are preparing for a potential surge in attempted border crossings. El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser warned that an estimated 10,000 migrants were waiting for an opportunity to cross into El Paso from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
The Biden administration has introduced new measures to discourage illegal crossings and encourage individuals to follow the asylum process. These measures include the establishment of regional processing centers in Latin America and the expanded use of a Customs and Border Patrol-run app to schedule asylum appointments. Officials have emphasized that those crossing the border illegally will be deported, barred from re-entering the US for at least five years, and presumed ineligible for asylum.
Despite the new rules and efforts to address concerns, many individuals in El Paso who assist migrants remain apprehensive. They anticipate significant challenges in providing food and shelter for migrants in the community. Border Patrol custody has been overwhelmed, with approximately 25,000 migrants in custody, surpassing the agency’s capacity. Plans to release migrants and instruct them to report to immigration offices within 60 days were blocked by a federal judge in Florida, pending an expected appeal from the Biden administration.
The expiration of Title 42 is likely to become a contentious political issue in the US. House Republicans are considering immigration bills, although their chances of passing a Democratic-controlled Senate are slim. Both Democrats and Republicans acknowledge the need for comprehensive immigration system reform, but significant differences in border policy hinder the prospects of bipartisan legislation to overhaul the system in the future.
