In an unusual shift, Mexico’s government issued approximately 30,000 humanitarian visas in April, tripling its usual monthly output.
This surge, coinciding with the impending expiration of the U.S.’s Title 42 immigration measure, offers a glimpse into the potential wave of migrants likely to head towards the U.S.-Mexico border.
Title 42, a public health order from the Trump administration, allowed the swift deportation of most asylum seekers.
The order is set to lapse on Thursday, and U.S. border states are fortifying themselves in anticipation of an influx of migrants.
Although the 30,000 individuals granted visas by Mexico in April represent a small fraction of those encountered at the border each month under President Biden’s tenure, the sharp increase suggests a broader migration trend.
Miguel Barrera, a field coordinator for the International Rescue Committee near Mexico’s southern border, commented to the New York Times, “We do not know if this is solely related to Title 42, but it is evident there are many more migrants here than normal.”
The U.S. administration is bracing for a significant influx of migrants in the wake of Title 42’s expiration. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas are slated to discuss the plans for the order’s termination later on Thursday.
President Biden himself has acknowledged the potential for border chaos, admitting, “It’s going to be chaotic for a while.”
In preparation for the expected surge, 550 active-duty troops have been dispatched to the border. Critics, however, argue that these measures are insufficient.
The Biden administration intends to augment the border defense by deploying an additional 900 soldiers by the end of May, supplementing the 550 troops already in place and the 2,500 members of the National Guard.
Related: Biden Administration to Authorize ‘Safe’ Mass Releases of Migrants: ‘The Dam Is About to Break’
The looming end of Title 42 is causing ripple effects across the nation. Notably, New York City has eased its laws providing shelter to the homeless and migrants. This action comes in response to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s controversial program of bussing migrants to various cities.
Governor Abbott is expected to increase the number of buses transporting migrants to cities like New York City, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia in the weeks and months to come.
These democrat run cities have supported Biden’s immigration policies but now find themselves reluctant participants in the crisis.
As the expiration of Title 42 arrives, the U.S. braces for a new chapter in the ongoing crisis of immigration, with the impacts expected to reach from the border to cities and small towns nationwide.