In March 2020, the Trump Administration instituted one of the most controversial immigration policies during the coronavirus pandemic. Under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Title 42 rule, U.S. Customs and Border Prevention are authorized to expel undocumented migrants and refugee families to prevent spreading the virus in holding facilities.
While President Joe Biden has taken steps to end some of the former president’s most restrictive immigration policies, he is facing criticism from many immigrant advocacy groups for silently continuing the Title 42 policy.
A Trump-Era Immigration Policy
Since October 1, federal agencies have deported more than 183,000 migrants using the Trump-era immigration policy. Although both administrations have utilized the Title 42 policy, they have been implemented in different ways. Under the Trump Administration, nearly all migrants, including those seeking asylum, who came through the U.S-Mexico border were turned away from entering the country.
The key difference in Biden’s implementation of Title 42 is that unaccompanied minor children have been admitted into the U.S., while most families and adults have still been turned away. Biden’s Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, said in a recent statement: “We have made a decision that we can address the public health imperative while addressing the humanitarian needs of vulnerable children.”
However, many immigrant groups say this is not enough. Karen Musalo, director of the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies, says that Joe Biden should reverse all of Trump’s immigration policies, including Title 42, and reopen the border to asylum seekers and implement:
- COVID-19 screenings
- Proper use of masks
- No detention
- Two-week quarantine, when appropriate
Stay Up-To-Date On Immigration News
At Maney Gordon Zeller, our full-service immigration attorneys are here to help you stay up-to-date with the latest on immigration news and laws. If you have any questions about how your immigration case may be affected or to schedule your free consultation, please reach out to our team at (800) 708-4399 at your earliest convenience!
