Sacramento Immigration Advocates Express Concerns As Title 42 Is Set To Expire | To The Point

Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts, because in just a couple of days, the spotlight will shine on the US border. Yes, Thursday, to be exact, marks the end of the Title 42 restrictions. Now, you might be wondering, what's the big deal? Well, let me break it down for you. Title 42 is a public health services law that has allowed the government to prevent migrants from crossing the southern border. It was the Trump administration's attempt to limit the spread of the notorious COVID-19. Since March of 2020, millions of migrants were sent packing back to their home countries or returned to Mexico under this policy. But now, as the pandemic emergency fades into the horizon on Thursday, so do these limitations at the border. Brace yourselves; as many as 10,000 migrants are expected to cross into America every day.

A California Perspective: The Immigrant Day of Action

Picture this: on the steps of the California Capitol, on a sunny Tuesday morning, the annual Immigrant Day of Action is in full swing. Advocates, as well as those who have experienced the immigration process firsthand, have gathered. This event is a powerful reminder that our lives matter. One of those voices is Jose Hernandez, a legal permanent resident. His parents brought him from Mexico to the US when he was just a child, seeking refuge from poverty, violence, and oppression. Their dream? A better future, a better education, right here in America.

Jose and many others stand on the precipice of uncertainty as they watch what will happen once Title 42 expires. This expiration means the US can no longer use COVID-19 protections as a reason to expel migrants before they have a chance to apply for asylum. Anxiety is palpable, and it's bound to skyrocket. The big question on everyone's mind is, what will the administration do to manage the impending influx of migrants at the border?

Advocates make their stance clear: the right to asylum is not just a right; it's protected under international law. But the Biden administration is swapping out Title 42 for some new policies in the hopes of deterring people from attempting to cross. Now, we're about to dive into the heart of these changes, so stay with me.

Out with Title 42, In with New Policies

Title 42 is out, but what's in? The Biden administration is rolling out a series of policies they hope will act as deterrents to those considering crossing the border. One of these new rules requires migrants at the southern border to first apply for asylum in a country they passed through on their way to the US. If they don't, the US will deny them asylum.

Critics argue that this significantly limits who will be allowed in, effectively favoring Mexican migrants over those from other Latin American countries. Why? Because Mexicans don't need to pass through another country to reach the US border. It's a complex situation with no easy answers.

Federal officials were forced to take action because they anticipated a surge in illegal border crossings—potentially reaching as high as 13,000 per day—once Title 42 was removed without any additional rules. This leaves us with an urgent need for a solution.

The App Revolution: A Clunky Rollout

In an attempt to streamline the process, the Biden administration is encouraging migrants to use the CP One app. The idea is to allow migrants to schedule appointments at a US point of entry instead of presenting themselves at the border. But there's a catch—critics argue that the rollout of the app was far from smooth. Appointments disappeared faster than hotcakes at a brunch spot.

In the interest of fairness, it's important to note that federal officials have made some recent improvements to the app, adding more appointment slots. Nonetheless, the challenges persist.

As a volunteer attorney and organizer from Newark How Resists, a grassroots organization that supports asylum seekers, pointed out, there's an anticipated increase in the number of people in the Sacramento region who will need assistance with essentials like food and housing. They'll also need guidance on their asylum applications. The only certainty right now is change and, along with it, a heavy dose of confusion.

A Global Impact: All Seekers of Asylum

Let's not forget that this isn't just about migrants from Latin American countries. The implications of ending Title 42 ripple far and wide. The Sacramento region, for instance, is home to a significant population of Slavic and Afghan refugees, among others. The end of Title 42 and the ensuing uncertainty affects anyone seeking asylum in the US, regardless of their country of origin.

As the sun sets on the era of Title 42, the dawn of new policies brings a fresh set of challenges, changes, and opportunities. The tides at the US border are shifting, and the world watches as the administration navigates these turbulent waters.

In a world where humanity is constantly on the move, seeking refuge and opportunity, the border remains a symbol of hope and despair. The border's future is uncertain, but one thing is for sure: it's a story that continues to evolve. Stay tuned for the next chapter in this saga, because the world's eyes are firmly fixed on the changing tides at the US border.