Title: Democrats divided on immigration approach after end of Title 42 policy.

Democrats Divided on Immigration Policy After Title 42 Expires

The Background

In March 2020, former President Donald Trump enacted Title 42 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The policy officially expired on May 11 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. The Democratic response to the end of the border policy has been mixed, with some members of the party criticizing President Joe Biden’s lack of preparation for the policy’s end.

The Division Among Democrats

Democratic mayors and congressional members have asked for additional federal support for their cities and districts, while others have blasted Biden’s replacement plan, which includes a rule that would make immigrants who do not apply for protection on their way to the Southern border ineligible for asylum within the U.S. Members of Biden’s own party have criticized this plan, with Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) stating that “the traditional asylum-seeking model should not be altered or mutilated with these new policies.”

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has also criticized the president’s handling of the border, calling for the passing of a bipartisan solution that he introduced last week alongside other senators. The bill these eight senators are sponsoring, Senate Bill 1473, will “authorize the immediate expulsion of inadmissible aliens attempting to enter the United States by fraud or without a necessary entry document, and for other purposes.”

The Call for Action

Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) has urged the Biden administration to ramp up resources for border communities and boost transparency, stating that “they, through no fault of their own, are simply unequipped to handle the surge of migrants that are expected when Title 42 ends.”

Several major Democratic cities, including New York City, Chicago, and Washington D.C., have had to grapple with buses that have been sent from Texas carrying dozens of migrants. On Thursday, a bus carrying 30 immigrants from Texas arrived at Vice President Kamala Harris’s residence mere hours before Title 42 expired.

The Way Forward

As Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) stated, “it’s a tough issue because it’s a complex issue.” However, it is clear that action needs to be taken to address the situation at the border. The division among Democrats highlights the need for a unified approach to immigration policy that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.

• Democratic mayors and congressional members have asked for additional federal support for their cities and districts
• Some members of the party have criticized President Joe Biden’s lack of preparation for the policy’s end
• Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has called for the passing of a bipartisan solution
• Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) has urged the Biden administration to ramp up resources for border communities and boost transparency

It is time for Democrats to come together and work towards a solution that addresses the complexities of immigration policy while upholding the values of compassion and justice.

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