The Trump administration is considering reinstating Title 42 to address health crises and migrant expulsions at the U.S.-Mexico border, potentially reviving a controversial policy that was previously used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID is over, but there are other health threats to justify implementing this rule again.
At a Glance
- Trump administration weighs reinstating Title 42 for expedited migrant expulsions
- Policy aims to combat illegal entries and protect public health
- Current health reports show increase in diseases like measles and chickenpox in border areas
- Critics argue Title 42 violates federal and international law
- Plan could reduce illegal migrant crossings, which are already low
Trump Administration Considers Reviving Title 42
The Trump administration is reportedly considering the reinstatement of Title 42 at the U.S.-Mexico border – but this time, it’s not because of COVID. This public health measure, originally invoked during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent the spread of the virus from people crossing the border, allows for the swift expulsion of migrants to prevent the introduction of diseases into the country.
The potential revival of Title 42 comes amid growing concerns over health crises in border areas. Recent reports indicate an increase in diseases such as measles and chickenpox, particularly in Texas. The South Plains region of Texas is currently experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 30 years, with 90 cases reported, many among under-vaccinated Mennonites in Gaines County.
Title 42, part of the U.S. public health code, has been a contentious policy since its implementation. During its previous use, it was employed to expel over two million migrants, citing COVID-19 concerns. The policy allows the CDC Director to suspend entry into the U.S. for public health protection.
Isn’t it crazy how it’s considered “contentious” for that reason?
However, critics argue that Title 42 violates both federal and international law by denying migrants due process and the opportunity to seek asylum. The American Civil Liberties Union and other civil rights organizations have challenged the expulsion of families under this policy.
Why is the ACLU always seemingly on the side of the criminals?
Potential Impact on Border Security
The Trump administration’s consideration of reinstating Title 42 aligns with its broader focus on immigration control. Internal documents suggest that the policy could be used to prevent the spread of diseases like tuberculosis. Customs and Border Protection officials are exploring measures to increase removal options for illegal entries.
“We have heard rumblings from the field level that we are going to see a return to Title 42 expulsions. It makes sense to have that in our toolbox of removal options, but the plan has not been widely disseminated,” a U.S. Customs and Border Protection source said.
While the reinstatement of Title 42 could potentially reduce illegal migrant crossings, it’s worth noting that these crossings are already at a low point. The effectiveness of Title 42 as a border enforcement tool has been questioned due to repeated border crossing attempts and increased encounters during its previous implementation.
But can it really be bad to implement more rules to make it even harder to cross the border? It just sounds like even more of a good thing to us.
