Emma Lazarus, 1883; “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.” The Statue of Liberty.
In the latest wave of Migrants seeking asylum in the United States, a city in Texas known as El Paso has become a temporary home for many people seeking asylum here in the U.S. According to officials and locals, the city has become over-populated and now faces difficulty providing aid such as medicines and food. Some establishments in the city of El Paso have helped to provide temporary shelter. City Official Congresswoman Vanessa Escobar, who is a third-generation El Paso Resident states “Many of the migrant’s biggest fear is thinking that if they get on a bus for a shelter, they could be taken back,” which has resulted in many sleeping outside. There are many questions and concerns for the welfare and what exactly is “luring” people to risk everything for entry into the USA. While many others have the belief that the U.S. will accept everyone at the border, the question does remain, how will a city with minimal resources and already at capacity handle such large numbers when Title 42 ends?
Title 42, is a policy that was created during the Trump Administration to help stop the spread of Covid Infection by stopping people from entering through U.S. borders. This policy can also stop asylum seekers from entering the United States because of the Pandemic. Since the policy began, more than 2 million people have been turned away. Lawmakers had pushed for a temporary halt on the lift and now, that deadline is coming to an end. With large numbers of people accumulating so quickly, what will become of the entry point and is there a contingency plan if something doesn’t work out.
A recent video clip posted on social media platforms showed Democratic Congresswoman Nannette Barragan, who was filming a port of entry into the USA, while a father and son were seeking asylum but were denied. As she proceeded to question the Border Patrol Agent as to why, a debate began to ensue. Until next time, thank you for stopping by.
title 42, title 42 and the border, migrants seeking asylum, el paso, texas borders, california borders, policy, asylum seekers
