In response to today’s order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention terminating the policy of expelling migrants under Title 42 of the US Code, First Focus on Children President Bruce Lesley made the following statement:
“We are pleased that President Biden has decided to end the Title 42 policy created by the Trump administration. This decision offers the first step toward answering the calls of the children and families the policy has hurt, and to restoring America’s proud tradition of welcoming children, families and individuals who are in need of safety. We urge the Administration to work toward fully realizing the President’s promise of a fair, orderly and humane immigration system — one that advances safety, family unity, liberty and due process for children and their families.”
Nearly a year ago, First Focus on Children led more than 30 organizations in calling on the Biden Administration to end Title 42 expulsions, noting that thousands of children suffered violence, kidnapping, assaults, and family separation, and that Black families experienced harm disproportionately. As the Biden Administration works toward the swift restoration of asylum at our southern border, we urge it to partner with community organizations to swiftly process children and families, allow children and families to pursue their immigration cases in the community, ensure due process, and above all, consider the best interest of the child in every policy decision.