Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona is continuing to push back against the Biden administration’s plan to terminate a Title 42 order.
“Following the Administration’s decision to extend the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and federal transportation mask mandate, Sinema continued her calls for the Administration to also delay lifting the Title 42 Public Health Order until prepared with a firm, workable plan to protect Arizona communities and migrants,” a press release noted.
The Biden administration extended a public health emergency related to COVID-19 for an additional 90 days, according to the New York Times.
Additionally, a requirement to wear face masks on public transportation is being extended through May 3.
“The Administration’s extension of public health emergency authorities proves the need to delay lifting Title 42 to protect the health and safety of Arizona communities and migrants,” Sinema said, according to the press release.
Politicians on both sides of the political aisle have expressed concern about the plan to nix the Title 42 order — the termination of the order is set to take effect on May 23.
In a statement earlier this month, Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia warned against making such a move, noting that the U.S. is already facing a flood of migrants along its southern border.
“Title 42 has been an essential tool in combatting the spread of COVID-19 and controlling the influx of migrants at our southern border. We are already facing an unprecedented increase in migrants this year, and that will only get worse if the Administration ends the Title 42 policy. We are nowhere near prepared to deal with that influx. Until we have comprehensive, bipartisan immigration reform that commits to securing our borders and providing a pathway to citizenship for qualified immigrants, Title 42 must stay in place,” Manchin said in the statement.
Border security is a matter of public safety — U.S. Customs and Border Protection press releases are replete with examples of authorities catching previously convicted sex offenders.
“Joe Biden’s reckless border policies have allowed more than 2 million foreigners to enter our country illegally via the southern border,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said, according to a press release from earlier this month. “Revoking Title 42 authority will supercharge the already skyrocketing flow of illegal aliens, increasing drug, human, and sex trafficking. Biden is failing miserably to faithfully execute the law and is violating his oath of office.”