Asian American Civil Rights Groups Commend Decision to End Title 42 Expulsions and Reject Efforts to Restore the Policy
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC and Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for their decision to end the use of Title 42 starting May 23, 2022, and reject efforts to preserve this immigration restriction.
“We commend the CDC’s decision to end Title 42 expulsions. Title 42 was first implemented by the CDC in March 2020 allowing border authorities to expel people seeking asylum under the pretext of public health necessity. The end of this disastrous policy was the result of the hard work and perseverance of many immigrant leaders and their communities. This Trump-era exploitation of the pandemic led to the rejection of 462,792 people seeking protection in the United States, denying their right to a screening for asylum eligibility and endangering families including thousands of children. We remain concerned with the continued expulsion of families in the coming weeks, which has disproportionately impacted communities of color, particularly Black migrants seeking asylum.
“We must achieve an asylum and refugee system that protects children and families fleeing or are in fear of persecution. Our country recognizes the rights of people to seek asylum or refugee status, and we must return to these fundamental American values. We must not perpetuate harms against asylee and refugee communities through any amendment that keeps Title 42. Refugees and asylum seekers deserve to be welcomed into this country. The United States has a moral and legal imperative to receive and consider people seeking asylum or refugee status. We must ensure the necessary humanitarian aid and resources are allocated to support and process refugees and asylum seekers.
“We call on the Biden Administration to live up to our domestic and international asylum obligations, and welcome asylum seekers with dignity.”