NEW YORK (Nexstar) – The White House announced that it is beefing up border security in advance of May 23, when the sweeping pandemic border limitations known as Title 42 are slated to expire.
“This includes relocating officers, agents, and volunteers from the Department of Homeland Security to decompress spots along the border and process migrants more effectively,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated.
Over twenty states with Republican Attorneys General have filed a lawsuit to compel the Biden administration to maintain Title 42. They warn that without a clear plan in place, border mayhem will emerge.
When Title 42 is repealed, the Department of Homeland Security estimates that 18,000 additional migrants will cross the US-Mexico border each day.
“You’re going to witness an avalanche of illegal immigration,” said South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Graham claimed that the White House has kept Republicans in the dark about how they intend to feed, transport, and house these migrants.
“It will be a signal to the entire world: ‘Come on in,'” he explained.
Republicans are urging the administration to maintain Title 42 health authority until the Border Patrol is adequately ready to manage the anticipated rise in migrant arrivals.
Senator Chris Coons, D-Delaware, stated on CBS’ “Face the Nation” that he favours extending the limits to give the administration another time to submit its proposal.
“My hope is that this will be correctly reconsidered. I am aware that both Republicans and Democrats are pushing for a rethink,” Coons stated.
However, the White House stated that extending Title 42 is a matter for Congress, and lawmakers must act if they wish to do so.