LCLAA Deeply Concerned by New Title 42 Ruling

Washington, DC - LCLAA is deeply concerned by the Supreme Court’s ruling yesterday that will lengthen the lifespan of Title 42, the dangerous measure that has enabled the deportation of thousands of migrants and has forced many to return to life-threatening conditions while their asylum claims are being processed. The Supreme Court’s action supersedes the federal ruling earlier this month that had  struck down this harmful measure. 

Yesterday’s decision perpetuates a policy that prioritizes conservative politics and discrimination over the health and safety of individuals, all under a guise of public health concerns. Title 42 was initially issued under these types of concerns during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, as Justice Gorsuch iterates in his dissent “the current border crisis is not a COVID crisis.” 

The Biden Administration must fulfill its responsibility to protect the human rights of asylum seekers and must work to promote fair and just immigration reform through the legislative branch. 

Jose Vargas, Executive Director of the Labor Council of Latin American Advancement, on the ruling, “The Supreme Court’s ruling is unfortunately another instance where policy is misused to fuel discrimination and xenophobia and to endanger Latinos and their families. Title 42 has already been in place for far too long and now it will continue to put thousands more in jeopardy over the next six months. LCLAA will remain vigilant and determined to mobilize our members and our allies to push for a fair and safe pathway to citizenship for all undocumented workers and asylum seekers.”