As the Trump-era ‘Title 42’ rule, implemented during the pandemic to expel unauthorized border crossers, expired at Thursday midnight, a surge of immigrants rushed to the US-Mexico border in a desperate bid to seek asylum. In response, additional troops were deployed to the border to manage the increasing influx. The expiration of the rule opens the way for tougher regulations to take effect.Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated that individuals arriving at the border without using a lawful pathway will now be presumed ineligible for asylum. He emphasized that the border is not open and those who do not follow legal entry channels will face more severe consequences.While the exact number of people aiming to cross the border remains uncertain, border patrol officers estimate it to be upwards of 60,000.
Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz revealed that his agency is preparing for the arrival of tens of thousands of migrants currently situated on the Mexican side of the border.Title 42 was initially implemented in March 2020, resulting in the expulsion of many border crossers to Mexico without the opportunity to seek asylum. This led to repeated attempts to enter the United States. After assuming office, President Joe Biden continued with the policy but faced extensive criticism from various quarters.
As a result, he decided to end the rule and introduced more stringent regulations to curb illegal border crossings.The new regulation, set to take effect upon the lifting of Title 42, will deny asylum to nearly all migrants who cross the border unlawfully. Such individuals will not only be barred from reentry for five years but may also face criminal prosecution if they attempt to do so. Additionally, the regulation will apply to individuals who have passed through another country without seeking refuge there or failed to use legal pathways to enter the United States.It is worth noting that similar but stricter measures were previously sought by Donald Trump in 2019, but they were prevented from taking effect by a federal appeals court.