Since March 2020, U.S. southern border officials have used Title 42 policy to limit the spread of COVID-19 to quickly expel undocumented migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border and send them back to Mexico or to their home countries. Title 42 is a little-used public health policy to take emergency action to stop the “introduction of communicable diseases.” During the global pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared a public health crisis, and the Trump administration used Title 42 to put new border restrictions in place. Title 42 is a healthcare policy, not an immigration policy.
The CDC said on April 1 that migrants are no longer a public health threat, and the Biden administration has announced Title 42 will come to an end on May 23. On March 12, the CDC ended Title 42 restrictions for unaccompanied children but did not change the policy for other migrants. The CDC announcement said,
“After considering current public health conditions and an increased availability of tools to fight COVID-19 such as highly effective vaccines and therapeutics, the CDC Director has determined that an order suspending the right to introduce migrants into the United States is no longer necessary.”
Officials said the policy will lift Title 42 on May 23 because the government needs time to come up with “appropriate COVID-19 mitigation protocols” including scaling up COVID-19 vaccinations at the border and preparing facilities.
The Biden administration has largely continued the Title 42 policy, and faced considerable criticism. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said about 7,100 migrants are entering the United States at the southern border daily but is now planning for as many as 18,000 daily arrivals.
Non-citizens who face the threat of deportation may be able to show that the U.S. government was wrong to place them into removal proceedings. In immigration court, the presiding judge may ask the non-citizen to address the Notice to Appear by admitting or denying factual accusations and conceding or contesting any charges of removability.
If you or a loved one faces the threat of deportation, it is important to remember that you are not alone. A skilled Illinois deportation defense lawyer can help you seek to resolve the threat of deportation. To get started on your defense, call 630-912-0322 to schedule a consultation with one of the experienced immigration attorneys today.
