04 MAR 2022

DC Circuit Court Ruling Creates Cracks in Title 42, Primes Biden Administration to Fully Revoke Title 42

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the D.C. Circuit Court ruled that DHS cannot use Title 42 public health authorities to expel people to countries where they are likely to suffer torture or persecution. The ruling will become final soon unless the Biden administration chooses to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, a move that would be contrary to the expert recommendations of health professionals and nongovernmental organizations. This decision reinforces widespread concern that by expelling people to Haiti (over 14,000 since January 2021) where violence is rapidly increasing and individuals are at risk of persecution, DHS is violating U.S. law. 

Sergio Gonzales, the Immigration Hub’s Executive Director, issued the following statement:

“The D.C. Circuit Court’s ruling puts a pin on what we and health care experts have long expressed: our government should not use Title 42 to deny and deport people to countries where they may face persecution or torture. Just as President Biden encouraged us during his State of the Union address, it’s time for America’s roaring comeback where we can finally put the days of COVID-19 behind us and return to a sense of normalcy. A 21st century immigration system cannot hold onto policies that undermine our values and sanctity of family. It’s long past due to get rid of Title 42 and continue to invest in the resources and infrastructure that will ensure an orderly and humane process to manage migration. America is ready to get back to business and the Biden administration can get the job done.”

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.