Migrants Rush to U.S.
Border as Title 42 Pandemic Restrictions Expire
In a significant shift in immigration enforcement, the United States has put an end to a three-year-old asylum restriction, replacing it with a new set of strict rules aimed at stabilizing the U.S.-Mexico border and encouraging migrants to seek protection in their current locations instead of embarking on the perilous journey north.
With the expiration of Title 42, a policy related to the COVID-19 pandemic, some migrants are determined to make it across the U.S.
border legally or illegally.
U.S.
law enforcement and troops are bracing themselves for a potential surge of individuals attempting to enter the country.
The implementation of the new law, Title 8, has begun in Riverside County, the only county in the nation where undocumented immigrants are dropped off at border patrol centers.
This morning, preparations were underway to receive approximately 200 undocumented immigrants who are being dropped off each day.
Concerns are mounting regarding the lack of resources both in Riverside County and across the country.
Videos captured the scenes of numerous migrants rushing across the border last night, with thousands successfully making the crossing.
Many more are following in their footsteps.
The U.S.
Department of Homeland Security stated that this influx was expected and had been planned for, considering the expiration of Title 42.
Under the previous policy, migrants could be swiftly expelled with minimal penalties or consideration of their asylum claims.
However, with the end of Title 42, a lengthier process awaits them before possible deportation.
Alejandro Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security, emphasized that there are lawful and orderly pathways for seeking relief in the United States.
Those who arrive at the southern border unlawfully will face tougher consequences.
The consequences include new rules that reject asylum seekers who have not first applied for and been denied asylum in another country before attempting to legally cross into the U.S.
Migrants are also required to schedule an appointment at a port of entry using a Customs and Border Patrol app.
Failure to adhere to these rules will result in deportation and a ban on entering the U.S.
for at least five years, potentially even longer.
However, misinformation has left many migrants unaware of these changes.
As a result, more than 20,000 individuals are now in custody of U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP), straining the capacity of shelters in border towns.
Despite the challenges, Mayorkas reassured the public that the U.S.
was prepared for this massive influx of migrants.
The situation continues to unfold, and authorities are closely monitoring and processing undocumented immigrants.
Those who do not have a valid basis to remain in the U.S.
will be subject to deportation.
As the process unfolds, the issue of immigration remains a pressing concern in the U.S.
In a separate event, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck Northern California.
