This week, the Mexican government confirmed that the Biden administration is considering expanding Title 42 for some nationalities while also providing Humanitarian Parole for some Venezuelans with sponsors in the United States.
We are deeply troubled by reports that the administration is pressuring Mexico to accept Title 42 expulsions of Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, Cubans, and Haitians. The lack of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba has complicated the ability of the United States to repatriate migrants from these nations.
However, Mexico is not safe for migrants. Since President Biden took office, there have been at least 6,356 violent attacks, including kidnapping, murder, and assault against people blocked at ports of entry or expelled to Mexico under Title 42. As medical experts and immigration advocates have been saying throughout the pandemic, Title 42 does not protect public health or national security. So why is the Biden administration continuing a cruel policy that has only fueled confusion and violence at the border?
The Biden administration announced that it will accept 24,000 Venezuelans through humanitarian parole, echoing a similar program for Ukrainians. We celebrate any expansion of humanitarian protection, but there are some notable restrictions to the program.
Like Ukrainians, Venezuelans must have a sponsor present in the United States, a role usually fulfilled by family members. But there are a number of barriers that make it much harder for Venezuelans to obtain parole than Ukrainians. Venezuelans must have a valid passport, which is extremely difficult to obtain in Venezuela. They must have not irregularly entered through Mexico or Panama since the program was announced, or crossed between U.S. ports of entry, or have status or nationality in any country other than Venezuela.
All people, regardless of their nationality, skin color, or familial status, have the right to seek protection in this country. We urge the Biden administration to re-open the ports of entry to allow for safe, orderly, and dignified asylum processing.
If you would like to make a difference, we encourage you to call the White House comment line at 202-456-6213, and demand an end to Title 42.
