Immigration Laws and Policies May Change After Title 42 Ends

 Posted on May 12, 2023 in Immigration

Over the past several years, immigration officials in the United States have used a policy known as Title 42 to expel many immigrants who entered the country without authorization. Title 42 was implemented in 2020 by the administration of President Donald Trump, and it was meant to help limit the spread of COVID-19 by immigrants entering the U.S. As of May 11, 2023, the United States has officially ended the COVID-19 public health emergency, and this means that Title 42 will no longer be in effect. As more immigrants continue to attempt to enter the United States, lawmakers and other officials are looking to implement reforms that will address ongoing concerns about immigration.

Policies That Address Increases in Migrants Seeking to Enter the U.S.

The Department of Homeland Security has emphasized that the end of Title 42 does not mean the United States has "open borders." However, misinformation about U.S. immigration policies has led many migrants to leave their home countries and seek to enter the United States. Currently, border officials apprehend several thousand people each day as they attempt to enter the country without authorization.

To address ongoing concerns about immigration, the administration of President Joe Biden has sought to implement new policies that will give some immigrants a legal pathway to enter and work in the United States. Immigrants who wish to apply for asylum can do so before entering the country by scheduling appointments through a smartphone app. People from certain countries may be eligible for parole, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. for two years after receiving sponsorship from a family member or employer in the United States. In an attempt to limit illegal immigration, the administration has also put a new rule in place that will make those who enter the country without authorization ineligible for asylum.

Congress Seeks to Pass Immigration Reform Laws

To address ongoing concerns about the large number of people seeking to enter the U.S., lawmakers have been looking to put new measures in place. Republicans in the House of Representatives are seeking to pass a bill that is meant to limit illegal immigration. This law would reinstate some of the policies used by the Trump administration, including a "remain in Mexico" policy that would require immigrants who seek asylum to wait outside the United States while their applications are being processed. It would also resume construction of the "border wall" that President Trump attempted to put in place during his presidency.

The proposed law contains several other provisions that could affect immigrants. The law would make it easier for immigration officials to deport unaccompanied minors and make it a crime for immigrants to remain in the United States for more than 10 days after the expiration of a temporary visa. The proposed law would also require employers in the U.S. to use an electronic verification system when hiring immigrant workers has been disputed; both Republicans and Democrats have disputed this provision.

While the House of Representatives may pass the law, it will most likely not be approved by the Senate, which has a Democratic majority. President Biden has also pledged to veto the law. However, while this specific law is unlikely to be implemented, it may be a starting point for other immigration reform laws that could affect undocumented immigrants or provide new pathways for people to enter the United States legally.

Contact Our Irving Immigration Lawyers

As the laws related to immigration and the policies followed by immigration officials change, immigrants will need to ensure they follow the correct steps to enter the United States and maintain legal status. At John W. Lawit, LLC, we provide legal help for immigrants and their family members, and we can assist with visa and Green Card applications, deportation defense, requests for humanitarian relief, and more. To learn more about our services and get the dedicated legal assistance you need, contact our Coppell immigration attorneys at 214-609-2242.

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/10/us/politics/mayorkas-title-42-migrants-border.html

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/biden-promises-to-veto-any-house-gop-bill-on-border-enforcement

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/27/us/politics/house-republicans-immigration-bill-migrants.html