DATE:
April 26, 2022
38
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
COUNTY ACTION TO ADDRESS TERMINATION OF TITLE 42: ADDRESSING THE NEED FOR RESPITE MIGRANT SHELTER (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
Over the past four years, the U.S.-Mexico border has seen an increase in migrants seeking asylum from humanitarian crises around the globe. Federal law allows people from other countries to seek asylum in the United States if they fear persecution at home. They must be present in the U.S. and prove that they have a fear of persecution on one of five grounds: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social class. However, in March 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put into effect Title 42, a law that prevented those seeking asylum from entering the U.S. Title 42 was a mitigation effort meant to control the spread of COVID-19. As a result of Title 42, the U.S. stopped processing asylum seekers who arrived at the U.S.-Mexico border asking for humanitarian protection.
On April 1, 2022, the CDC released a media statement indicating the intent to terminate Title 42 on May 23, 2022. With this announcement, the backlog of asylum seekers who have been waiting at the U.S.-Mexico border will be processed for asylum. As a welcoming community that reaffirmed its commitment to accept refugees and newcomers, the County of San Diego should be prepared for an increase in individuals and families seeking asylum while creating pathways for them to safely reach their final destination.
Since immigration regulations are not under local authority, today's actions will create an ad-hoc Board of Supervisors subcommittee to address both short-term and long-term goals. Additionally, the action will direct the Chief Administrative Officer to provide immediate assistance in identifying temporary respite sheltering for the anticipated increase of individuals and families who will be seeking asylum and will ensure be...
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