Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas sought on Sunday to allay concerns about a possible surge of migrants at the US-Mexico border after the expiration of Title 42. The law, which expelled border crossers back to their home country without an asylum hearing over the past year and a half due to the pandemic, is set to expire on May 11. This has raised concerns that a large number of migrants will attempt to enter the country. However, Mayorkas stated that the DHS has been preparing for more than a year and a half for the potential surge and is working with several countries to establish safe and lawful pathways. Despite the concern, it is vital to understand that the situation at the border is not just a matter of a single policy or decision, but rather the result of a much more significant issue: immigration.
The complexity of the Border Control situation is unmatched, as not only does it involve measures to secure the southern border to deter illegal immigration, but also steps must be taken to process and manage the current cases. Therefore, it must be looked at from strategic, policy, and humanitarian aspects. The Biden administration had anticipated Title 42’s expiration months in advance and had announced its plans to deal with the situation, including bolstering capacity, surging resources, and deterring illegal migration through deportations and prosecutions.
However, Mayorkas feels that Congress needs to step in and enact more holistic immigration changes. According to him, everything that DHS is doing and what their partners across the federal government are executing is within a broken immigration system. Therefore, as the situation escalates, the importance of immigration reform increases. The President had passed a proposal to Congress for fixing the immigration system on his first day in office, but no reform bill received approval by the end of his first year in the office.
Regardless of the Title 42 expiration, there are a few misconceptions that must be corrected, according to Mayorkas. The enforcement authorities will continue to ensure that anyone who comes to the border illegally will face severe repercussions. The Biden administration has already dispatched 1,500 active-duty troops near the El Paso area to assist with the situation. In response to Title 42’s expiration, the DHS must manage the surge correctly and dispel the lies that smugglers tell migrants. Notably, migrants believe that they can access lawful and safe entry to the US regardless of the expiration.
In conclusion, the situation at the US-Mexico border is complex and far-reaching. Despite the fears of a potential surge after the termination of Title 42, it is crucial to correct the misunderstandings and to contextualize the broader immigration issue. It is critical to have both comprehensive and strategic policies to manage the situation on the border, as well as to seek Congress’s involvement for long-term solutions. Hopefully, this discussion will encourage a broader debate on immigration policy in the US.
<< photo by Field Engineer >>
