In the United States, a controversial practice that facilitated deportations during the pandemic has ended. Despite this, many immigrants became increasingly frustrated.
Tens of thousands of immigrants at the southern border of the United States fear their future with great uncertainty. As the coronavirus emergency lifted in the United States, the controversial deportation practice that made it possible to quickly reject immigrants in previous years with reference to the pandemic also ended Friday night.
Thus, the United States reverts to applying the so-called Title 8 system. The border guard’s administrative effort is higher because immigrants can no longer be deported without due process. However, this does not mean that their chances of obtaining a positive asylum decision increase.
At the same time, there are stricter rules: Title 8 provides for a five-year ban on re-entry if attempted illegal immigration. Fines and imprisonment can also be imposed. Many immigrants also fear that in the future they will not be deported to Mexico, but to their countries of origin.
Minister: “The borders are not open”
Many immigrants from Central and South America initially hoped that the repeal of the so-called Title 42 Act would give them better chances of admission to the United States, but they are increasingly disappointed. US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorcas tried again on Friday to rein in false predictions. “The borders are not open,” he said, when the controversial deportation period ended. From now on, he explained, people who reach the border without initially using a legal route will not be considered eligible for asylum.
In addition, the US government has issued a whole series of measures to reduce crowds at the border. Migrants who want to go to the United States must use an app to book an appointment with border authorities. However, only a limited number of appointments are available and many people on the border report that the program is overburdened. The US government has also sent additional personnel to the border.
Civil Rights Organization: Biden ends Trump’s mission
Human rights organizations have strongly criticized the actions of US President Joe Biden’s government. “There is no reason to celebrate the end of Law 42 because a new rule creates new obstacles and penalties for people seeking asylum in the United States,” said Mary Meg McCarthy of the Immigrant Rights Center.
And the further the road ahead for refugees, the lower their chances of asylum. Because the US government now prohibits such a request if the person seeking protection may have already made it in a transit country. You must prove that you were rejected there so that you can apply in the United States as well.
Former US President Trump had previously carried out such a practice and was heavily criticized for it – especially by Biden himself. According to the American civil rights organization the Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Biden is now “finishing Trump’s job rather than delivering on his campaign promises.”
Biden warned against chaos
The Mexican government spoke Friday morning (local time) of a “calm and normal” situation. “There were no confrontations or violent situations at the border,” said Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard. Biden had earlier warned that the situation at the border would be “chaotic for a while.”
inclusion
However, the immigrant shelters in Tijuana are already full. The situation is similar in border towns such as Ciudad Juárez, where 40 migrants perished in a fire at an INM collection center in March. Local facilities caring for migrants are preparing for the tough days – and supplying water, blankets and medicine.
