New York, NY—Today, Judge Emmet Sullivan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia blocked the implementation of Title 42, which has expelled migrants along the Southern border on the pretextual basis of public health concerns. The New York Immigration Coalition applauds this decision to protect the rights of asylum seekers, while demanding expanded protections for people seeking freedom in the United States.
Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition:
“From its inception, Title 42 has been used as a blatantly racist policy and tool, flagrantly violating the rights of asylum seekers. It has been disturbing to watch Title 42 survive and expand under the Biden administration, despite their initial commitment to end Trump-era policies that cruelly politicized people seeking refuge. Title 42 has caused profound suffering and has directly jeopardized lives by forcing people to remain in dangerous conditions for no justifiable reason. Judge Sullivan’s decision today to block the implementation of Title 42 will help protect people pursuing freedom and safety in our country, and is a clear step forward in defending people’s basic human rights. Ending Title 42 is only the beginning—President Biden and Congress must move to restore and expand protections for asylum seekers, so that the United States can once again exist as a true symbol of hope and opportunity for people across the world.”
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