The Biden administration filed an appeal on Wednesday to prevent Title 42, the public health order used at the border since the COVID-19 pandemic, from being lifted. A November federal court ruling set in to motion for Title 42 to expire on December 21.
The Biden administration previously attempted to lift Title 42 on their own earlier this year but was stopped by a lawsuit filed by Republican attorney generals. The order allows Border Patrol to quickly expel illegal immigrants during a pandemic in order to prevent transmission and overcrowding in U.S. facilities.
JUST IN — The Biden administration says it will appeal the court ruling that invalidated the Trump-era Title 42 border restrictions.
— Camilo Montoya-Galvez (@camiloreports) December 7, 2022
As it stands, the administration will be required to stop expelling migrants under Title 42 in two weeks, on Dec. 21. pic.twitter.com/DQ4o6R4czd
As was the case in May, there is concern among U.S. officials the end of Title 42 will result in even more people illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. There are currently around 6,000-8,000 illegal immigrants crossing per day. After Title 42 expires, there could be up to 14,000-18,000 illegal crossings per day. Former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson has stated 1,000 illegal crossings per day was considered an emergency during his tenure under President Barack Obama.
Dem TX Rep Cuellar on Fox: When Title 42 goes away..you're going to see large numbers of people coming in my city..the local communities are already preparing to send out busses like they've done in the past and some cities are doing right now.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 7, 2022