CHC Sends Letter to Administration Officials Calling for an End to Title 42
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Contact
202-841-2996
CHC Sends Letter to Administration Officials Calling for an End to Title 42
Washington, D.C. – To better understand the justifications for the continued application of Title 42 and how they reached their reassessment of this policy, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) has sent a letter to Secretary Blinken, Secretary Becerra, Secretary Mayorkas, and Director Walensky. In it, they recognize the Biden Administration's efforts to reform our broken immigration system and urge the administration to end Trump's Title 42 policy:
"While we welcome the Biden Administration's move to humanely treat unaccompanied minors, enough is enough," saidChair Dr. Ruiz. "It is long overdue to completely end the Trump-initiated Title 42 policy and stop using the pandemic as an excuse to keep it going. Transmission rates are low, there are safe testing and quarantining protocols, and vaccines are readily available. End Trump's Title 42 now."
"The reasons underpinning the use of Title 42 have always been suspect – that is why I have repeatedly called on both the prior and current administration to end its use. As we have increased our knowledge of the coronavirus and our capacity for testing, vaccine distribution, and other protocols to contain the virus – there is no rational explanation for this policy to stay in place," said CHC First Vice Chair Nanette Diaz Barragán. "People who arrive at our borders to escape various forms of violence and persecution in their home countries have a lawful right to claim asylum - this policy must go."
"For nearly two years, the United States government has expelled individuals fleeing from violence and turmoil seeking refuge and protection, with no ability for these individuals to apply for asylum – actions that completely violate U.S. law and treaty commitments," said CHC Second Vice Chair Adriano Espaillat. "This heartless policy, spearheaded by the Trump administration, must be repealed – full stop."
"Under the Biden Administration, we have made tremendous progress in reversing the xenophobic and harmful policies of the Trump Administration," said CHC Whip Darren Soto. "As we know, Title 42 was never about public safety — it was another tactic used to punish vulnerable communities looking for refuge in the United States. I'm proud to stand with the CHC in urging the administration to put an end to this awful practice."
"For more than two years, asylum-seekers have been illegally expelled from the United States without the due process they deserve. Asylum is a human right — and the current use of Title 42 is an unjustified continuation of the Trump administration's cruel immigration policies," said Congressman Joaquin Castro. "Trekking hundreds or thousands of miles across dangerous terrain is not something people do when they have better options. Those who seek asylum at our nation's borders are fleeing from oppression and violence, and they just want a place where they can be safe. The Biden administration needs to do the right thing and bring Title 42 to an end."
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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.