ACLU Condemns the Biden Administration’s Expansion of Title 42

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the Biden administration announced it will expand Title 42 by applying it to Venezuelans, while also providing parole for some Venezuelans who are lucky enough to have family ties in the United States. Under the new agreement with Mexico, many Venezuelans crossing the U.S. border to seek protection under U.S. asylum law will be expelled to Mexico.

Lee Gelernt, lead litigator on the American Civil Liberties Union’s Title 42 litigation, had the following reaction:

“The Biden administration’s decision to expand the use of Title 42 by applying it to Venezuelans is extremely concerning. People have a right to seek asylum – regardless of where they came from, how they arrive in the United States, and whether or not they have family here. We can’t celebrate the administration’s move to create a path to safety for some Venezuelans, if the price to pay is cutting off access for many others and attempting to entrench an illegal policy.

“The administration’s decision further demonstrates that so long as the Title 42 policy remains in effect, it will continue to cause grave harm to people seeking protection. The ACLU will continue its fight to bring Title 42 to a complete end.”