Title 42 Expulsions at the Border: Impact on Asylum Seekers and Border Crossings

Since March 2020, the United States has implemented Title 42 expulsions at the border, affecting asylum seekers and leading to a significant increase in border crossings. Despite claims of public health necessity, experts have called for the end of Title 42 expulsions due to their impact on individuals seeking asylum.

The use of Title 42 has resulted in the expulsion of over 1.8 million individuals, with nearly half of them being apprehended multiple times due to the policy’s effects on repeat crossings. Public health experts have criticized the policy, arguing that there are alternative measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission at the border.

The Biden administration has faced legal challenges regarding the legality of expulsions under Title 42. Court orders have blocked the termination of the policy, keeping it in effect as of the time of publication. The expulsion process under Title 42 has led to a range of outcomes for individuals, including being sent to Mexico, detained in the United States, or flown back to their home countries.

Despite claims that Title 42 is necessary for immigration deterrence, the policy has actually led to an increase in border apprehensions. Repeat crossings have become more common, with individuals expelled under Title 42 attempting multiple times to cross the border. This has shifted the demographics of border arrests, with a notable rise in single adult apprehensions.

The impact of Title 42 expulsions extends beyond the border, affecting the lives of asylum seekers and leading to challenges in their journey to seek protection and safety. The ongoing debate surrounding the policy highlights the complex intersections of immigration, public health, and legal considerations in the United States.

For more information and updates on Title 42 expulsions at the border, stay informed with the American Immigration Council.