In recent weeks, various Democrats whose seats are vulnerable in the upcoming midterm elections have sided with Republicans regarding the Title 42 border security policy, a Trump-era policy that permitted federal officials to expel most migrants due to COVID concerns.
Now, with up to ten Democrats openly opposing the elimination of Title 42, Biden is said to be reevaluating whether or not the Title 42 restrictions, which are set to be removed on May 23, should be extended until a proper plan is in place for addressing widely expected increases in asylum-based and illegal border entries.
A source informed Axios that the Biden administration’s efforts may end up delayed as a result of increased Democrat resistance.
One vulnerable Democrat includes Gary Peters, who remarked to the Washington Examiner that “[until] we have a well thought-out plan, I think [Title 42 removal] is something that should be revisited and perhaps delayed.”
Democrats up for reelection note that immigration is likely going to be a highly difficult issue to address in the fall, especially in the absence of a real plan for dealing with a massive influx of illegal immigration.
According to a recent poll released by Morning Star and Politico, the majority of Republicans surveyed oppose Biden’s plan to end Title 42 restrictions.
“Title 42 is a public health authority from the CDC,”White House spokesperson Vedant Patel declared to Axios, “and we continue to defer to the CDC on its use and how long it will be in place.”
“When [Title 42] is no longer in place, migrants who attempt to enter the country unlawfully will be placed in immigration proceedings,” Patel added, without providing further detail.
Patel proceeded on to remark that “other legal immigration pathways” should be available for individuals seeking protection, adding that individuals who do not qualify for “asylum” will allegedly be “removed to their countries of origin.”
