MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – A policy that prevented immigrants from crossing the border illegally during the pandemic has ended. Alabama lawmakers say they’re worried.
With COVID cases declining across the country, the Biden administration officially ended the COVID-19 public health emergency last week.
But some Alabama officials are worried there could be harsh consequences. The end of the public health emergency of COVID-19 also marked the end of Title 42. The policy was put in place in 2020 to prevent illegal crossings along the southern border and prevent the spread of COVID .
“We have significant concerns about what’s happening at the border, primarily the fentanyl issue, and making sure we can keep those drugs off the street,” said Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall.
While some Democrats seem divided on the issue, the Mobile County Democratic Executive Committee is taking a strong stance. The group says the end of the Title 42 quote “presents significant challenges for our nation.” President Ben Harris also said, “We believe in an inclusive America where everyone can achieve their dreams.”
Harris could NOT provide details on how the group plans to support immigrants. However, Attorney General Marshall spoke about what his office and other Alabama officials are doing to prevent a surge of migrants at the border.
“…I’m glad to hear that Governor Ivey has committed part of our National Guard to be able to facilitate and assist what Texas is doing to be able to secure the border through this whole connection with Mexico. And then I will also work with my Republican colleagues across the country to ensure that the Biden administration enforces immigration laws as Congress intended,” said Attorney General Marshall.
Sending troops to the border is a solution the Mobile County Democratic Executive Committee says it opposes, praising Democratic lawmakers who have called on the Biden Administration to do so.
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