TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — A federal court is holding an injunction hearing Friday to determine the fate of Title 42.
This current health law is preventing migrants from claiming asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The former Trump administration enacted Section 265 of Title 42 on March 20, 2020, as a response to the pandemic.
It was further supported through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
President Joe Biden continued this provision, which has expelled 1.2 million potential asylum seekers since it began.
When asked about Title 42 ending on Monday, May 23, Mayor Regina Romero told MotherJones.com, "This is not our first rodeo. We’ve seen this before; we’ve seen ups and downs no matter what administration is there."
Regardless of the outcome of tomorrow’s injunction hearing, the City of Tucson will continue to accept asylum seekers until Congress passes meaningful immigration reform…This isn’t our first rodeo. https://t.co/m1ZZPTheoy
— Regina Romero (@TucsonRomero) May 12, 2022
She also revealed the White House gave her a heads up before the CDC announced on Friday, April 1 officials may pull back Title 42.
Mayor Romero says their early notice gave Southern Arizona enough time to prepare for an increase in asylum seekers.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Chris Magnus chimed in saying he prefers America goes back to enforcing Title 8.
"We believe that Title 8, which is our immigration laws, that our agents were trained in are are used to using, provides various pathways," he said Thursday morning. "...And it provides, I think, actually a better way to deal with the challenges that we face at the border."
Title 42 is not an immigration law; it's a public health order. When lifted, all noncitizens will be processed under Title 8 which provides more enforcement opportunities for those who cross the border w/out legal authorization. pic.twitter.com/BrepwtIUoz
— CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus (@CBPChrisMagnus) May 12, 2022
Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D) also met with Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls to talk things over.
"Arizona communities like Yuma continue to pay the price for the federal government’s failures at the border, and I appreciate Mayor Nicholls’ partnership in holding the Administration accountable to keep Arizona communities safe and secure, while ensuring migrants are treated fairly and humanely," she shared.
Her stance is firm on hoping the Biden administration does not end Title 42 expulsions until a full-proof plan is developed.
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Caleb Fernández is a digital content producer for KGUN 9. After earning his bachelor's degree from Penn State in Advertising/Public Relations, Caleb went to New York where he learned production assistance, photography and art direction. Share your story ideas and important issues with Caleb by emailing caleb.fernandez@kgun9.com or by connecting on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.
