HIRCP statement on Title 42

On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that it would no longer expel unaccompanied minors under Title 42, a public health policy that has led to the expulsion of thousands of asylum-seekers. Our Program has spoken out against the use of Title 42 since it was first enacted in March 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While we are relieved that children will no longer by affected by this inhumane policy, this is only a first step toward restoring the rights of migrants and refugees. Individuals and families from Haiti, Mexico, Ukraine, and other countries continue to be turned away at our southern border, thereby denying them their legal right to seek asylum. We call on President Biden and his administration to end Title 42 immediately and welcome all those seeking safety and protection, no matter their age, race, or country of origin.