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The fight to end Title 42 and rebuild our asylum system has reached a critical point. Though the misuse of Title 42 to expel asylum seekers was slated to end in May, a lawsuit brought by anti-immigrant politicians has forced the Biden administration to keep the deadly policy in place for the time being. As that case makes its way through the courts, a group of U.S. lawmakers is attempting to entrench this cruel and unlawful practice, and make it difficult, if not impossible, to end it.
In a cynical attempt to score political points ahead of the midterm elections, they are attaching amendments to preserve Title 42 to as many essential bills as they can – including a much-needed COVID-19 relief package.
There is a real risk that the weaponization of Title 42 to eviscerate our asylum system could become enshrined in law. We can't let that happen.
1. Call the Congressional Switchboard: (202) 224-3121
2. Ask the operator to connect you to your senator.
3. Use our call script to make your voice heard.
4. Then call two more times, to make sure you reach both your senators and your representative.
Call Script
Hello, My name is [NAME], and as your constituent from [CITY/TOWN], I am calling because I’m extremely concerned about access to asylum in the United States. The CDC has tried to end the use of Title 42, which blocks access to asylum, but this change is being held up in the courts. [As an advocate/immigrant/person of faith/other personal connection to asylum], I’m disturbed to hear there are legislative proposals that would mandate the continuation of Title 42, including funding bills with Title 42 amendments under consideration in the House.
I urge you to oppose all legislative efforts designed to keep Title 42 in place and block access to asylum. Title 42 does nothing to protect public health and is being used as an anti-immigrant political ploy that harms asylum seekers instead. Thank you for your time.
For over two years, Title 42 has blocked refugee families, children, and adults from exercising their right to seek asylum at the U.S. border, with devastating humanitarian consequences.
Human rights investigators have documented over 10,000 violent attacks against people returned to Mexico under Title 42. More than 26,000 Haitians have been sent back to a country in deep crisis, where their lives are at risk.
That Congress would even consider preserving such a dangerous policy is utterly shameful. Our elected officials need to know their constituents will not stand for it. Let's make our voices heard, loud and clear.