García, Correa, Espaillat Ask DHS to Reject Measures that Continue to Violate Protections for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

WASHINGTON, DC - Representatives Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Lou Correa (CA-46) and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), joined by 18 Members of Congress, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urging the administration to reject any measures that continue violating protections for refugees and asylum seekers after the Title 42 policy ends. Title 42 is a public health statute imposed by the Trump administration to expel migrants to Mexico or their home countries without letting them seek asylum. On November 15, a federal judge issued a decision ending the use of the Title 42 policy and ordered the restoration of normal immigration law at the border.

This letter follows comments from Secretary Mayorkas during a Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs committee hearing, stating that DHS continues to explore ways to block Venezuelan migrants seeking to enter the United States, pushing them back to Mexico, after Title 42 ends. The legislators also call DHS to shift resources towards humane processing and away from punitive measures such as expedited removals, lateral repatriation flights, and immigration-related prosecutions. 

A copy of the letter can be found here.

“For almost three years, the US government used Title 42 as an excuse to expel migrants and refugee seekers at the border, even when the CDC, public health, and immigration experts repeatedly condemned its use,” said Rep. García (IL-04). “As this racist policy comes to an end, we must ensure that our immigration policies respect human rights and recognize the dignity of all human beings seeking refuge and asylum. We urge the Biden administration to act in good faith and reject alternatives that rely on punitive and failed deterrent programs.”

“Title 42 is about a health issue, and not about immigration policy. Our country needs to reform the immigration system and treat all immigrants with equality, respect, and fairness. Title 42 must not be used as an immigration tool. We cannot allow any further continuation of this policy by expanding detention,” said Rep. Lou Correa (CA-46).

“We are pleased that the administration has decided to end the use of Title 42, however, we simply cannot replace one ill will policy with another,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “Immigration reform is no easy feat, and how we move forward today matters more than ever. We must not remove protections for asylum seekers here in our nation-- period. Title 42 is an inexcusable violation of US asylum law and we cannot turn our back on these families who need our support more than ever.”

The letter was also signed by the following Members: Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Cori Bush (MO-01), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Yvette Clarke (NY-9), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Barbara Lee (CA-13),  Jim McGovern (MA-2), Grace Meng (NY-6), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Mike Quigley (IL-5), Jan Schakowsky (IL-9), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Juan Vargas (CA-51), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07).

Organizations endorsing this letter include: National Immigrant Justice Center, Metropolitan Family Services, Mujeres Latinas en Acción.

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