As the Biden administration ends Title 42, a public health policy implemented by the previous administration to turn away migrants at the border amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many cities are bracing for an influx of migrants. New York City, in particular, has begun busing migrants to its northern suburbs, sparking tensions among residents and officials.
Title 42, implemented by the Trump administration in March 2020, allowed the U.S. to immediately expel migrants, including asylum seekers, back to their home countries without due process. While the policy was meant to limit the spread of COVID-19, it was widely criticized for violating human rights and endangering migrants.
With the end of Title 42, the Biden administration has begun processing migrants and allowing them to enter the U.S. to apply for asylum. This has led to an increase in migrants being released into the country and the need to find temporary housing for them.
In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city would begin busing migrants to its northern suburbs to be housed temporarily. The move has sparked tensions among some residents and officials in those suburbs, who fear the impact of the influx of migrants on their communities.
Other cities across the U.S. are also preparing for an increase in migrants, with some opening up new shelters and others turning to community organizations for help. The end of Title 42 is expected to bring relief to many asylum seekers who have been stuck at the border for months, but it also presents challenges for local communities tasked with providing temporary housing and services.
As the U.S. continues to grapple with immigration policy, the end of Title 42 represents a significant shift in the country’s approach to asylum seekers and migrants. The impact of this shift will be felt not only at the border, but also in communities across the country.