“Racist” Title 42 of Immigration Expulsion Repudiated After Two Years of Activation

Washington, 21 Mar On two years since the establishment of controversial Title 42 that has expeditiously expelled more than 1.6 million immigrants under a health law, activists marched on Monday in Washington against this measure considered “racist” and “" illegal”. With posters reading “Restore Asylum, Now,” “Stop Deportations,” and “Welcome with Dignity,” protesters again urged President Joe Biden to end the use of the measure. The use of this health standard, which authorizes the expedited expulsion of foreigners arriving at the border and who are considered a public health risk, began during the administration of then-President Donald Trump (2017-2021). Dozens of non-governmental, religious and immigrant advocates gathered in front of the Trump Hotel in Washington DC and marched the three blocks to the White House demanding the cessation of Title 42. “Since its inception Title 42 has been as illegal as it is cruel,” said Neela Chakravartula, of the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies. “The expulsion of asylum seekers by sending them to places where they face persecution or torture violates our laws and obligations under international treaties,” he added. The Biden government has continued to use Title 42 although it has exempted underage immigrants who arrive at the border without the company of responsible adults from expulsion. Two weeks ago, a federal court in Washington DC prohibited, under Title 42, families from being expelled to places where they could suffer persecution or torture. Lee Gelernt, lawyer for the Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said that “Title 42 was a horrendous pretext by the Trump administration to expel people seeking asylum.” “Two years later Title 42 continues to cause damage,” he added. “Every court that has considered this policy has ruled that it is illegal and there is no justification for its continued use.” Karla Marison Vargas, attorney for the Texas Civil Rights Project, argued that “the use of Title 42 has never been anything related to public health.” “It's always been about keeping blacks, indigenous people and mestizos out of the United States,” he added. “President Biden knew this when he inherited that policy, and yet here we are today on the second anniversary of this racist and harmful rule.” “There is not, and has never been, a public health reason behind Title 42,” the group America's Voice recalled in a statement. He recalled that maintaining that policy violates US law and Democrat Biden's promises. Senators such as Democrats Bob Menendez, Chuck Schumer, Alex Padilla and Corry Booker have called on Biden to leave behind “this inhumane Trump policy.” “There is no sound policy or public health reason to keep Title 42 on the books, and continuing to pretend it exists only undermines the credibility of the Biden administration,” said Douglas Rivlin, a spokesman for America's Voice. CHIEF jab/ims