If you have been following the news lately, you might have heard the term “Title 42” being thrown around. This is a policy that was implemented by the United States government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we will explain what Title 42 is, how it works, and what its implications are.
What is Title 42?
Title 42 is a public health order that was issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in March 2020. It allows the US government to quickly expel individuals, including US citizens and asylum seekers, who are suspected of carrying COVID-19 or other infectious diseases at the border.
The order is based on a section of the Public Health Service Act, which grants the CDC the authority to take measures to prevent the spread of communicable diseases across state borders. Title 42 was initially used to expel migrants who had recently crossed the border illegally, but it has since been expanded to include asylum seekers and other migrants who present themselves at official border crossings.
How does Title 42 work?
Under Title 42, individuals who are encountered by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the border are subject to a quick screening for COVID-19 symptoms. If they are found to have symptoms or have been exposed to the virus, they are immediately expelled to their home country or country of last transit.
Expelled individuals are not given the opportunity to apply for asylum or other forms of protection in the United States, and they are not given a hearing or a chance to appeal their expulsion. They are also not allowed to re-enter the United States for a period of at least 21 days.
What are the implications of Title 42?
Title 42 has been controversial since its implementation, with many critics arguing that it violates US and international law by denying individuals the right to seek asylum and protection from persecution. The policy has also been criticized for putting vulnerable individuals, such as unaccompanied children and pregnant women, at risk of harm.
Advocates of Title 42, on the other hand, argue that it is necessary to protect public health and prevent the spread of COVID-19. They point to the fact that many countries have implemented similar measures, and that the policy is necessary to avoid overwhelming the US healthcare system.
Conclusion
Title 42 is a controversial policy that allows the US government to quickly expel individuals who are suspected of carrying COVID-19 or other infectious diseases at the border. While advocates argue that it is necessary to protect public health, critics argue that it violates US and international law and puts vulnerable individuals at risk. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Title 42 will be enforced and what its long-term implications will be.
