The end of the US health emergency brings thousands of Mexicans to the border
The image of crying comes up again and again at the border. A woman was in the group trying to cross the Rio Grande to get to the United States: “It’s closed. “We can’t go in,” he said.
A Venezuelan was also frustrated. “Whoever enters the country illegally will be deported. And if you try again, you will be punished,” he said.
1 of 1 group attempting to cross the Rio Grande to get to the United States. — Photo: Reproduction/JN The group tries to cross the Rio Grande to get to the United States. — Photo: Reproduction/JN
The reports show the frustration of those who are betting that it would be easier to enter the US and be granted asylum from now on. This Friday (12) ends the public health emergency policy passed in the pandemic, called Title 42.
The declaration of a health emergency served as the legal basis for the immediate expulsion of immigrants who crossed the border without papers.
President Joe Biden has said he expects chaotic days at the country’s southern border and anticipates an increase in illegal border crossings The US government announced new measures to make it more difficult for asylum seekers to enter the United States.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas went to the White House to explain that the borders are not open.
“If someone arrives at our southern border after midnight today, they cannot apply for asylum and face more serious consequences if they enter illegally,” he said.
For example, those wishing to apply for asylum must use a telephone application or contact centers that are opening in Latin American countries to process applications. If they cross the border illegally and are caught, they could be quickly deported and barred from seeking asylum for five years.
More than 1,500 soldiers and 24,000 police officers now ensure border security, mainly in Texas.
The president has been criticized by members of his own party, the Democrats, who have accused him of failing to live up to his promise to implement more humane immigration policies.
The opposition Republican Party, in turn, accuses Biden of leaving the borders open.
During the press conference, Jornal Nacional questioned the secretary about the criticism.
“We have rebuilt an asylumgranting system that was abolished in the previous government. “We are a nation of immigrants and we are a nation of laws,” he replied.