SPLC APPLAUDS END OF TITLE 42 POLICY

An Important Step in Creating a Just & Humane Immigration System 

ATLANTA – Efrén C. Olivares, Deputy Legal Director of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s (SPLC) Immigrant Justice Project, released the following statement in response to the announcement by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that it will end expulsions under Title 42. Over the past two years, countless migrants have been expelled without due process under the order, which was first invoked by the Trump Administration and renewed repeatedly by the Biden Administration. 
 
“We are heartened that the administration is finally bringing an end to this unjustified and unprecedented use of Title 42, which cut off access to safety and protection for asylum seekers and prevented family reunifications.  
 
“By unlawfully expelling migrants at the border without due process, asylum seekers were sent back into harm’s way while public health experts, including CDC scientists, denounced it as both unnecessary and ineffective.  
 
“The continued use of this policy—even for the next two months—is indefensible and unjustified. Rather than waiting, we urge the administration to cease use of Title 42 immediately, and to see through their commitment to rebuild our asylum system in a manner that is just, humane and treats people with dignity.”