The Biden administration’s decision to reinstate the Trump administration’s immigration law, just a day before the expiration of Title 42, has sparked concerns about a potential increase in illegal immigration into the United States. The new rule restricts asylum seekers who have not sought asylum in any other nation they passed through, including Mexico, from entering the country.
According to CBS News, hundreds of asylum officers received training on how to implement the regulation, a day before Title 42’s expiration. The timing of this decision has raised concerns among immigration experts, who fear that the rule’s enforcement may contribute to a surge in illegal immigration. The Biden administration’s reversal of President Joe Biden’s campaign promises to address the issue of illegal immigration has also caused confusion and disappointment among immigrant communities.
For almost two years, the United States has struggled to manage historic levels of illegal immigration into the country, which prompted the Trump administration to implement strict immigration policies. During his 2020 presidential campaign, Biden criticized Trump’s immigration policy, stating that it was the first time in US history that anybody seeking asylum had to do it in another country. However, the recent decision to reinstate the immigration law has led to criticism from both the Republican and Democratic parties.
As of Thursday at 11:59 p.m., Title 42, a health directive allowing border authorities to promptly deport migrants without processing, will no longer be in effect. This has sparked concerns about the already dire situation on the southern border, which has been experiencing a surge in illegal immigration in recent months. The Department of Homeland Security has requested and received 1,500 military soldiers from the Pentagon to help with administrative work along the border.
El Paso, Texas, is one of the hotspots for illegal migration, and the city’s mayor, Oscar Leeser, has declared a state of emergency due to the potential influx of migrants from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, when Title 42 is finally repealed. Leeser predicts that up to 15,000 migrants may rush into the city, overwhelming its already strained resources. To address the issue, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has partnered with local and state law enforcement to begin rounding up and deporting thousands of illegal immigrants living in the area.
According to immigration officials, the number of people attempting to enter the country illegally has increased steadily in recent weeks. On Monday, Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz revealed that agents apprehend over 9,000 migrants on average each day and account for more than 7,000 “gotaways,” or illegal immigrants who are sighted entering the country but are not apprehended. On Tuesday alone, more than 11,000 migrants were reportedly apprehended while attempting to reach the southern border.
The surge in illegal immigration has been attributed to several factors, including economic instability, violence, and political unrest in many Central and South American countries. Additionally, the Biden administration’s decision to reverse several of Trump’s immigration policies, such as the “Remain in Mexico” policy and the border wall construction, has been seen by some as a signal of a more lenient approach to illegal immigration.
In conclusion, the Biden administration’s decision to reinstate the Trump administration’s immigration law has sparked concerns about a potential surge in illegal immigration. With the expiration of Title 42, the already dire situation on the southern border is expected to worsen, prompting officials to take measures to address the issue. As the US continues to grapple with the complex issue of illegal immigration, policymakers will need to find a balance between ensuring national security and upholding the values of the nation as a beacon of hope and opportunity for immigrants.