Today marks a shameful anniversary in U.S. immigration policy – two years ago the Trump administration began to turn away asylum seekers at the southern border under the pretense of public health reasons under a provision known as “Title 42.”

The Biden administration has continued this cruel and inhumane policy, despite strong and broad opposition by public health experts and a court decision concluding the policy is likely illegal.

Title 42 expulsions do nothing to protect the health of U.S. residents or prevent the spread of COVID-19. They do, however, send many asylum seekers directly back into the very dangers of torture, exploitation, starvation, and violence they sought to escape.

MIRA calls on the Biden administration to end Title 42 expulsions, respect the human rights and dignity of asylum seekers, and fulfill its commitment to a safer, more humane immigration policy. Nothing short of this will do.