Officials assert that people crossing illegally will be deported and barred from re-entering the US for at least five years and will be not considered for asylum.
New rules to replace are announced by the US but the migrants from El Paso and other Mexican regions are full of rumours with their eyes on the border. The Mexican police have enhanced their security around these places. The diplomatic relations between the US and Mexico however stand strained.
In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to sweep across the globe, the United States implemented a policy known as Title 42. Under Title 42 of the U.S. Code, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was granted the authority to issue an order to prohibit the entry of certain individuals into the country to prevent the introduction and spread of communicable diseases. However implications of Title 42 and the controversies surrounding its implementation were not well thought about.
Title 42 is not a new law; it has been part of the U.S. Code for several decades. Its original intent was to give the CDC the authority to take necessary actions to prevent the spread of diseases such as tuberculosis and smallpox.
Implications and Controversies
- Humanitarian concerns: One of the main criticisms of Title 42 is its potential violation of human rights and international asylum laws. Under this policy, thousands of migrants, including families and unaccompanied minors, have been expelled from the United States without the opportunity to seek protection or apply for asylum. Critics argue that this violates the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the return of individuals to a country where they may face persecution or danger.
- Legal challenges: Title 42 has faced legal challenges from advocacy groups and civil rights organizations. In November 2020, a federal judge ruled that the expulsion of unaccompanied minors under the policy was unlawful. However, the order was later lifted, and the Biden administration continued to enforce Title 42. The legal battles surrounding the policy underscore the complex legal landscape and differing interpretations of its application.
- Impact on immigration system: Title 42 has had a profound impact on the U.S. immigration system. With the use of this policy, the government has circumvented regular immigration processes and significantly reduced the number of individuals allowed to enter the country. As a result, the backlog of asylum cases has grown, and the humanitarian situation at the border has become increasingly challenging to manage.
- International reputation: The implementation of Title 42 has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and international observers. It has raised concerns about the United States’ commitment to upholding international human rights standards and its reputation as a country that welcomes those seeking protection. The policy has strained relationships with neighbouring countries and has prompted calls for the United States to reconsider its approach.
Title 42, implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, had sparked heated debates and raised significant concerns. While public health remains a priority, the policy’s humanitarian implications and potential violations of international law and human rights are central points of contention. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial to strike a balance between safeguarding public health and upholding fundamental rights, ensuring that any policy implemented in the future reflects these principles