Title 42 expiration: Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee speaks on the pandemic-era policy ending
Title 42: Biden admin. says people illegally entering U.S. will be turned away
The clock is ticking down to the end of Title 42 and the Biden administration continues to blame Congress for not passing immigration reform legislation. Anchor Caroline Collins spoke to Representative Sheila Jackson Lee who said we must be strong on individuals who come to the Texas border and break the law.
HOUSTON - Hours before Title 42 expires, FOX 26 Anchor Caroline Collins, spoke with Representative Sheila Jackson Lee.
"Well, I think what is the most important point to make is that this is sheer desperation that we will be seeing at 11:59 as Title 42 ends," said Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee. "That for me is both sad and very troubling."
The Congresswoman recognized the need for federal assistance with the potential influx of migrants at the U.S. southern border.
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"Let's ramp up these resources, and let's recognize the way to do it is to one; acknowledge the devastation of these people and also acknowledge the need to protect the American people and a secure border and a secure Houston," stated Rep. Lee.
She also emphasized the importance of keeping Houstonians safe.
"I would be supportive in ensuring that criminals are not here to pray upon innocent Houstonians. But I think we need to decipher those who are coming in as women and children and they have a sponsor, applying for asylum. I know the heart of Houstonians and I know they would welcome that and they want to be safe," Rep. Lee expressed.
Title 42 was a policy put in place during the pandemic by former President Donald Trump. The policy was intended to limit the number of migrants able to seek asylum in the United States to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
BORDER SECURITY: Migrants rush across Mexico border into US in final hours before Title 42 expires
In October, Catholic Charities opened a transfer center in Houston to help the migrants seeking asylum.
"We’re doing what we can to help," says Karina Hernandez Catholic Charities Director of Community Relations. "At the moment we see around 60 migrants a day, and we are noticing an increase in that already," Hernandez explains.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is accepting immigrants who have Department of Homeland Security documents showing they are approved to be in the U.S. while awaiting their asylum hearing.