US DHS Secretary Clarifies: Revocation of Article 42 Won’t Result in Open Borders
US Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Majorkas, has announced the end of “Article 42,” a public health regulation initiated by former President Donald Trump amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The article barred irregular immigrants seeking humanitarian protection to be deported to Mexico. Majorkas clarified that the termination of Article 42 does not mean the US border is open. They will continue to use immigration enforcement authorities under Article 8, making it more challenging for illegal border crossing. The outdated US immigration laws are currently the best solution within legal boundaries.
Majorkas expects a surge of irregular migrants at the US border despite the preparation for two years and calls this situation “incredible pressure” on personnel. As a result, the US government is deploying 1500 more troops at the southern border on May 2, and the law enforcement personnel will continue to secure the border vigorously.
The Homeland Security Secretary announced a digital advertising campaign to be launched in Central and South American countries, hoping to disseminate factual information about US immigration laws and dispel the smugglers’ lies.
The US policy on immigration has long been a topic of conflict in the country. Republicans have claimed that the Biden administration is being lenient on illegal immigration, human and drug trafficking. Some Democrats have labeled Biden’s policies “anti-immigrant,” citing that they are not introducing new policies. Despite the opposing views, the Biden administration claims to be working on a “humane asylum system” with the current laws.
Currently, around 150,000 irregular migrants are waiting to enter the US after the expiration of Article 42, which facilitated deportation. The termination of this law will be a new adventure for the Biden administration as the border control will face new challenges.
