The Advocates Condemns Court Order Continuing Title 42
A recent federal district court order in Louisiana has temporarily blocked the Biden administration from terminating the Title 42 expulsion policy. The administration had planned to end use of the policy and return the United States to compliance with its international obligations on May 23.
"Title 42 expulsions of asylum seekers were founded in racism and were unlawful from the start. The administration made the right decision to end this policy. The Court's decision continues ongoing violations of our international obligations, domestic law, and the human rights of many," said Michele Garnett McKenzie, Deputy Director at The Advocates for Human Rights. "The right to seek asylum is a fundamental right enshrined in international and federal law. The United States may not bar people from exercising this right under the guise of public health-particularly where public health experts agree that Title 42 only exacerbates harms. International law is clear: everyone has the right to seek safety from persecution and torture. Medical experts are also clear: bars under Title 42 do not further public health, but actually exacerbate concerns. The United States is stronger when people can move with dignity through safe, orderly, and fair processes. We call on the Biden administration to urgently defend its decision to end this harmful practice, and on Congress to reject bills that entrench these harmful, unlawful, and xenophobic bars."
