Dhs Secretary On End Of Title 42

In the realm of immigration policy, change often simmers on the backburner, patiently awaiting its moment in the spotlight. Well, ladies and gentlemen, that moment has arrived. As the clock strikes midnight tonight, the era of the Title 42 Public Health Order during the pandemic will officially come to a close. It's a watershed moment that signifies a seismic shift in how we handle immigration at the Southern border.

The Midnight Transition

So, what exactly does this transition entail, you ask? Buckle up because the change is swift and immediate. As the clock strikes midnight, individuals arriving at our Southern border will no longer be greeted with the same set of rules. They will be placed under the watchful eye of our immigration enforcement authorities, operating under Title 8 of the United States Code.

But what's the big deal, you might wonder? Well, here's the twist: anyone who arrives at the Southern border after the stroke of midnight tonight will be presumed ineligible for asylum. That's a game-changer in itself. Moreover, these individuals will face more severe consequences for unlawful entry, including a minimum five-year ban on re-entry and the potential for criminal prosecution.

The Sheer Scale of Preparation

The magnitude of this shift is nothing short of impressive. It's akin to watching an orchestra prepare for a symphony, with each instrument tuned to perfection. We've surged the ranks, deploying 24,000 border patrol agents and officers, along with an army of troops, contractors, and over a thousand asylum officers and judges. The stage is set, and we are ready.

A Clear Vision Amidst Challenges

We're not naively charging ahead without acknowledging the hurdles ahead. We're clear-eyed about the challenges that will likely emerge in the days and weeks ahead. The high numbers of encounters we're already witnessing in certain sectors are proof of this. These encounters are not without their strains. Our personnel, facilities, and the communities we partner with are feeling the weight of the situation.

But here's the kicker: we've been preparing for this moment for nearly two years. Our plan, though complex, will deliver results. But let's not kid ourselves – results take time, and patience is our ally.

The Root of the Problem

The current scenario is a byproduct of a Congress that has left a broken and outdated immigration system in place for over two decades. There has been unanimous agreement that we desperately need legislative reform, but the wheels of progress have ground to a halt. It's also a result of Congress failing to provide the necessary resources we've requested.

Despite these constraints, our efforts remain focused on ensuring a safe, orderly, and humane process, all while safeguarding our dedicated workforce and the communities we serve.

Our Borders Are Not Open

Let's get this straight, our borders are not open. People who cross our border unlawfully and without a legal basis to remain will be promptly processed and removed. An individual removed under Title 8 faces a minimum five-year ban on re-entry and can even face criminal prosecution if they attempt to cross again.

Let's not forget the wily smugglers who have been peddling misinformation that the border is open. These folks are in the business of profits, not people. Don't risk your life and life savings only to be removed from the United States when you arrive.

A Paradigm Shift

Our approach is simple yet profound – to build lawful, safe, and orderly pathways for people to come to the United States, while imposing tougher consequences on those who choose not to use these pathways. President Biden has spearheaded the largest expansion of lawful pathways in decades, resulting in a significant reduction in border encounters for certain groups.

But we're not resting on our laurels. We're launching new and expanded family reunification parole processes for nationals of various countries, and we're making it easier for individuals to schedule appointments at our ports of entry using the cbp-1 mobile app.

Tougher Consequences

For those who opt not to use the available lawful pathways, tougher consequences await. The new rule finalized yesterday presumes that those who do not use lawful pathways to enter the United States are ineligible for asylum. It allows us to remove individuals who cannot establish a reasonable fear of persecution. Eligible families will be placed in expedited removal proceedings, ensuring swifter action.

A Comprehensive Strategy

Our preparedness extends to the end of Title 42, with the recruitment of more Border Patrol agents and the surging of personnel to the border. We've returned, removed, and expelled more than 665,000 people in the first half of this fiscal year. We're conducting removal flights each week and increasing their frequency.

A United Front

We're not operating in isolation. The United States is working closely with regional partners, announcing unprecedented law enforcement campaigns to target smugglers and address regional challenges. We're collaborating with countries like Mexico, Colombia, Panama, and others to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive strategy.

The Path Ahead

As a nation of immigrants and laws, we are committed to enforcing those laws in a safe, orderly, and humane way. We're addressing a regional challenge with regional solutions. However, our call to Congress remains unceasing – we need desperately needed immigration reform, resources, clear authorities, and modernized processes. The journey to a better immigration system is a marathon, not a sprint.

So, as the clock strikes midnight and the title 42 era comes to an end, a new dawn is upon us. Change is never easy, but it's often necessary. The Southern border is not just a place on the map; it's a bridge to a better future for those seeking it. Let's ensure that bridge remains safe, orderly, and humane.