A bipartisan group of officials in Arizona condemned President Joe Biden’s decision to end Title 42, a public health order utilized to curb migration during the spread of the coronavirus.
Specifically, the provision allowed border officials to turn away migrants seeking to enter the country, hoping to ease the coronavirus pandemic.
After the decision from Biden, experts predict a new wave of migrants will be expected to enter the U.S. due to the relaxed restriction.
“In Arizona, our brave law enforcement professionals are working hard to protect border communities, all Arizonans and migrants. Yet the worst border crisis in over 20 years continues to receive no attention from the federal government. The Biden administration and Congress have turned a blind eye to our southern border for over a year now, and it’s devastating our communities,” said Governor Doug Ducey, who has consistently criticized Biden’s handling of the crisis.
“Title 42 allows federal officials to prohibit the entry of those who potentially pose a health risk. Even as we emerge out of the pandemic, this is a no-brainer policy that protects the health and well-being of American citizens. The removal of Title 42 will cause considerable harm to Arizona’s border communities, our state and our entire country.”
Furthermore, Biden could not escape criticism from members of his own political party. Both Arizona senators, Mark Kelly and Kirsten Sinema, slammed the move.
“Prematurely ending Title 42 without a comprehensive, workable plan would put at risk the health and safety of Arizona communities and migrants. Today’s decision to announce an end to Title 42 despite not yet having a comprehensive plan ready shows a lack of understanding about the crisis at our border. I’ll continue pushing for transparency and accountability from the administration to help secure the border, keep Arizona communities safe, and ensure migrants are treated fairly and humanely,” said Sinema.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for the Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
