UNCERTAINTY AT US BORDER SIGNALING THE END OF TITLE 42
Title 42 is a policy that allowed border agents to rapidly turn back many migrants to Mexico without a chance to ask for asylum, and was implemented under the Trump administration in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic
The Biden administration announced in January 2023 that it was ending the national emergencies linked to the pandemic, which also spelled the end of using Title 42 to deal with immigration.
As of May 11, 2023, Title 42 has expired, and immigration processing will revert to a pre-existing system, known as Title 8, but with new, much more stringent rules for asylum seekers attached.
The end of Title 42’s use has raised questions about what will happen with migration at the U.S.-Mexico border, and officials predict that lifting Title 42 is likely to spur a significant increase in the number of migrants trying to cross into the US
HOW DOES THE END OF TITLE 42 AFFECT ASYLUM SEEKERS AT US-MEXICO BORDER?
As Title 42 ends, asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border will be subject to decades-old immigration protocols known as Title 8
However, the Biden administration has also finalized a new rule that severely limits asylum for those who arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border without first applying online or seeking protection in a country they passed through
US officials are expecting to see an uptick in the number of migrants and refugees attempting to enter the country through the border with Mexico when Title 42 formally expires
The situation at the border after May 11 may appear disorderly, but it already has been, and it was before the pandemic began
WHAT ROLES FOR NGOs?
NGOs and other organizations are preparing to assist asylum seekers after the end of Title 42 by providing critical support to asylum seekers on both sides of the U.S. southern border, including transitional shelter, humanitarian assistance, medical care, legal orientation, and travel coordination
Aid groups at the border are also expanding shelter capacity, calling for volunteers, and holding regular meetings to combat misinformation
However, the US Department of Homeland Security has not communicated how it plans to process people once the policy ends, making it difficult to advise asylum seekers
WHAT SPECIFIC SERVICES ARE NGOs RENDERING TO ASYLUM SEEKERS?
NGOs are providing various services to asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border, including legal aid to help them present an asylum claim in an immigration hearing, relief supplies such as cots, blankets, hygiene items, first aid kits, and towels
transitional shelter, humanitarian assistance, medical care, legal orientation, and travel coordination.
and connecting those who are most at risk to shelters and cash assistance.
HOW DO NGOs PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES TO ASYLUM SEEKERS?
NGOs provide legal aid to asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border through various means, including offering legal counsel telephonically and in shelters across the city
Asylum seekers with access to legal aid are five times more likely to receive a positive asylum decision in the United States
However, due to safety concerns and logistical challenges, there are very few organizations offering legal aid to asylum seekers in border regions, and the need for counsel far exceeds the capacity of the organizations doing this work
WHAT LEGAL CHALLENGES DO ASYLUM SEEKERS FACE?
Asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border face nearly insurmountable obstacles to accessing legal counsel to help them present an asylum claim in an immigration hearing
Due to safety concerns and logistical challenges, there are very few organizations offering legal aid to asylum seekers in border regions, and the need for counsel far exceeds the capacity of the organizations doing this work.
Only 7% of asylum-seekers in RMX had access to counsel, resulting in grants of asylum for under 0.1% of total cases
Additionally, recent court decisions halting the Biden Administration’s winddown of RMX have left thousands of people in Mexico who need legal assistance to review the decisions in their cases and determine whether they may be able to challenge those decisions with the assistance of counsel
Furthermore, the Biden administration has recently finalized a new rule that severely limits asylum for those who arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border without first applying online or seeking protection in a country they passed through.
WHAT EFFECT ON THE NUMBER OF ASYLUM SEEKERS AT THE US-MEXICO BORDER?
The end of Title 42 has led to an increase in the number of migrants seeking asylum along the southern border.
The COVID-era public health emergency measure allowed for the quick expulsion of migrants at the border and nearly halted the processing of asylum applications for more than three years. Once Title 42 was lifted, tens of thousands of people who had been waiting in Mexico after fleeing from violence, poverty, and political instability became subject to decades-old immigration protocols known as Title 8. However, confusion and anxiety among migrants on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border was also palpable amid a web of complicated and constantly changing U.S. policies
WHAT EFFECT ON ASYLUM APPLICATIONS?
The lifting of Title 42 has allowed asylum seekers to apply for protection at the US-Mexico border, which was not possible under the pandemic-related asylum restrictions. However, the end of Title 42 has also led to concerns about a possible influx of migrants and refugees attempting to enter the country through the border with Mexico. The Biden administration has deployed additional troops and imposed new curbs in preparation for the end of the COVID-era restriction. The new regulations adopted by President Joe Biden’s administration are expected to stabilize the region.
HOW ARE BORDER OFFICIALS HANDLING THE INFLUX OF ASYLUM SEEKERS?
Border officials are still assessing the effect of the end of Title 42 and the new regulations adopted by President Joe Biden’s administration to stabilize the region.
The end of Title 42 has seen tens of thousands of migrants massing at the southern border, and an increase in border patrol apprehensions
Border holding facilities were already far beyond capacity in the run-up to Title 42’s expiration, and officials had orders to release migrants with a notice to report to an immigration office if overcrowding and other factors became critical
The Biden administration has deployed additional troops and imposed new curbs in preparation for the end of the COVID-era restriction
HOW ARE BORDER STATES AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES COPING WITH THE INFLUX OF ASYLUM SEEKERS?
Border states and local communities are preparing for an influx of asylum seekers after the lifting of Title 42. New York City has said it has reached its limit on migrants
Around 16,000 migrants are waiting in Tijuana for the border restrictions to be lifted, and other local leaders are concerned about the impact of the thousands of refugees and migrants
Non-governmental organizations and those offering humanitarian relief will play a pivotal role in helping execute the plan to bring in thousands of asylum-seekers who have been stuck in Mexico under the Migrant Protection Protocols program
Due to safety concerns and logistical challenges, there are very few organizations offering legal aid to asylum seekers in border regions, and the need for counsel far exceeds the capacity of the organizations. Border states are facing challenges in providing resources to asylum seekers. Due to safety concerns and logistical challenges, there are very few organizations offering legal aid to asylum seekers in border regions, and the need for counsel far exceeds the capacity of the organizations doing this work.
Border states are facing challenges in providing resources to asylum seekers. Due to safety concerns and logistical challenges, there are very few organizations offering legal aid to asylum seekers in border regions, and the need for counsel far exceeds the capacity of the organizations doing this work
. The United States will rely heavily on non-governmental organizations and those offering humanitarian relief to help execute its plan to bring in thousands of asylum-seekers who have been stuck in Mexico under the Migrant Protection Protocols program
. Donations to organizations such as the International Rescue Committee can help provide critical support to asylum seekers on both sides of the U.S. southern border, including transitional shelter, humanitarian assistance, medical care, legal orientation, and travel coordination
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN RESOURCE PROVISION?
The United States will rely heavily on non-governmental organizations and those offering humanitarian relief to help execute its plan to bring in thousands of asylum-seekers who have been stuck in Mexico under the Migrant Protection Protocols program
Donations to organizations such as the International Rescue Committee can help provide critical support to asylum seekers on both sides of the U.S. southern border, including transitional shelter, humanitarian assistance, medical care, legal orientation, and travel coordination
The federal government is implementing initiatives to manage the movement of people in the region toward the U.S. southern border, including an expanded parole program for certain nationalities, widened use of the CBP One app for entry into the country, expanded access to family reunification, as well as increased use of expedited removals
However, the United States will rely heavily on non-governmental organizations and those offering humanitarian relief to help execute its plan to bring in thousands of asylum-seekers who have been stuck in Mexico under the Migrant Protection Protocols program
Non-governmental organizations receiving at least $137 million in federal grants play a vital role in helping migrants with everything from food, shelter, and transportation to legal services that help the migrants traverse Mexico.
Donations to organizations such as the International Rescue Committee can help provide critical support to asylum seekers on both sides of the U.S. southern border.
HOW MUCH FUNDING FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO THE NGOs?
According to federal budget figures, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) assisting migrants who cross the border receive at least $137 million in federal grants
The United States will require the assistance of dozens of nonprofit organizations (NGOs) along the Southwest border to help execute its plan to bring in thousands of asylum-seekers who have been stuck in Mexico under the Migrant Protection Protocols program
However, the exact amount of funding allocated to NGOs providing resources to asylum seekers is not clear.
WHAT ARE NGOs ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA?
NGOs that are eligible to receive federal funding for assisting asylum seekers include nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with IRS, other than institutions of higher education, nonprofits without 501 (c) (3) status with IRS, other than institutions of higher education, and international organizations
The Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration allocates a large majority of Bureau-managed funds to international organizations, such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and also supports NGOs that provide relief services overseas
The federal government will require the assistance of dozens of nonprofit organizations (NGOs) along the Southwest border to help execute its plan to bring in thousands of asylum-seekers who have been stuck in Mexico under the Migrant Protection Protocols program
However, the specific eligibility criteria for NGOs to receive federal funding for assisting asylum seekers are not clear as well.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR NGOs TO ACCESS FUNDING?
The process for NGOs to apply for federal funding to assist asylum seekers varies depending on the specific funding opportunity. For example, the FY 2022 Request for Concept Notes for NGO Programs to Refer Eligible Refugees to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program requires eligible applicants to submit a concept note that includes a brief description of the proposed project, the target population, the proposed location, and the estimated budget
The new grant program included in the government funding bill is to be administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as grants or cooperative agreements with state and local governments and NGOs, including up to $50 million for construction and expansion of shelter facilities
The Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration allocates a large majority of Bureau-managed funds to international organizations, such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and also supports NGOs that provide relief services overseas
The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) connects asylum seekers with pro bono attorneys to help them file monetary damages claims against the government and has trained over 200 pro bono attorneys to help separated families sue the government
The federal government will require the assistance of dozens of nonprofit organizations (NGOs) along the Southwest border to help execute its plan to bring in thousands of asylum-seekers who have been stuck in Mexico under the Migrant Protection Protocols program, and these NGOs will help migrants to fill out online applications and submit necessary paperwork to be considered
WHAT IS THE TIMELINE FOR NGOs TO APPLY FOR FUNDING?
The timeline for NGOs to apply for federal funding to assist asylum seekers varies depending on the specific funding opportunity. For example, the new grant program included in the government funding bill to support asylum seekers is to be administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as grants or cooperative agreements with state and local governments and NGOs
The FY 2022 Request for Concept Notes for NGO Programs to Refer Eligible Refugees to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program was released on December 23, 2021, and organizations were advised not to wait until the deadline to submit their application on Grants.gov
On May 5, 2023, the Adams administration learned that the city will receive almost $31 million from FEMA to use for costs associated with shelter, food, and health care services for asylum-seekers in the first round of funding
However, the specific timeline for NGOs to apply for federal funding to assist asylum seekers is not clear too..
DEADLINE FOR NGO APPLICATION?
The deadline for NGOs to apply for the $800 million grant program to support asylum seekers is not clear from the search results. However, the new grant program is to be administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as grants or cooperative agreements with state and local governments and NGOs
The funding will be allocated to FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter humanitarian program for jurisdictions that have dealt with an influx of asylum seekers, and it can pay the cost of shelter, food, transportation, basic health and first aid, Covid-19 testing, and other supportive services to asylum seekers
On May 5, 2023, the Adams administration learned that the city will receive almost $31 million from FEMA to use for costs associated with shelter, food, and health care services for asylum-seekers in the first round of funding
However, the specific deadline for NGOs to apply for the $800 million grant program is not mentioned in the search results.
ARE THERE UPDATES FOR NGOs TO APPLY FOR THE $800 MILLION GRANT PROGRAM?
There are no updates on the deadline for NGOs to apply for the $800 million grant program to support asylum seekers in the search results. The new grant program is to be administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as grants or cooperative agreements with state and local governments and NGOs, including up to $50 million for construction and expansion of shelter facilities.
The funding will be allocated to FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter humanitarian program for jurisdictions that have dealt with an influx of asylum seekers, and it can pay the cost of shelter, food, transportation, basic health and first aid, Covid-19 testing, and other supportive services to asylum seekers.
TITLE 42 AND ITS IMPACT ON MIGRANT FAMILIES
Title 42 is a policy that was implemented in March 2020 by the Trump administration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The policy allowed U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials to expel arriving migrants from the border without screening for asylum, citing public health concerns
The policy effectively ended the legal right to claim asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border for 38 months. The Biden administration continued the policy until announcing that it was moot in April 2022. On May 11, 2023, the Title 42 policy officially ended, allowing asylum seekers who have been waiting in Mexico to seek asylum at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s office.
Before the implementation of Title 42, migrants encountered at the border were processed and screened for asylum under Title 8 of the U.S. Code addressing “Aliens and Nationality”
Under Title 8, those who presented at ports of entry or were apprehended between ports of entry had a legal right to claim asylum based on “persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion”
The majority of these filings are defensive asylum applications for individuals who have been placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge.&
Before the implementation of Title 42, migrants encountered at the border were processed and screened for asylum under Title 8 of the U.S. Code addressing “Aliens and Nationality”
Under Title 8, those who presented at ports of entry or were apprehended between ports of entry had a legal right to claim asylum based on “persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion”
The majority of these filings are defensive asylum applications for individuals who have been placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge
CHANGES IN IMMIGRATION POLICY
The end of Title 42’s use has raised questions about what will happen with migration at the U.S.-Mexico border. The Biden administration is preparing for an increase in migrants
However, in its place, the Biden administration has implemented a new asylum ban that again severely restricts the ability of people to seek asylum
The new policy includes an expanded parole program for certain nationalities, widened use of the CBP One app for entry into the country, expanded access to family reunification, as well as increased use of expedited removals
The administration suggests that this is a trade-off to make the asylum process more orderly, but in fact, parole will allow few asylum seekers to enter the United States while Title 42 will punish the vast majority of people seeking protection
