Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee said Wednesday that most of the U.S.-Mexico border is “well protected” and that a surge of Haitian migrants requires a “new protocol” in immigration policy.
In an interview on CNN’s The Lead, the Texas Democrat said the legal points of entry at the border operate “appropriately” but that a policy known as Title 42 and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott are impeding a response to the needs of Haitian migrants.
‘WORSE THAN SLAVERY’: HOUSE DEMOCRATS CALL ON BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO CEASE DEPORTATION TO HAITI
Title 42 of the Public Health Service Act was invoked by immigration authorities during the Trump administration to expel some migrants at the border in a move they said would slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. That interpretation remains in place under the Biden administration.
Jackson Lee called Title 42 a relic of the Trump administration, also describing Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott as anti-immigration.
“But what has happened is, because of the Trump relic of Title 42 and the demonizing of immigrants through our governor, Gov. Abbott, who is looking towards the next election, we can’t seem to really know how to handle this surge,” Jackson Lee said. “I think the Biden administration is very eager to adhere to that we are a land of immigrants and a land of laws.”
Jackson Lee said Title 42 is “discretionary” and that she wants to see the Biden administration end its implementation.
Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee says she believes there will be a “new protocol” for Haitian migrants amid a surge at the US southern border following a meeting with White House officials. “We believe in human rights and civil rights, that’s what Haitians deserve.” pic.twitter.com/EVQus0LZ3U
— The Lead CNN (@TheLeadCNN) September 22, 2021
In a tweet on Wednesday, Abbott thanked the Texas National Guard “for their daily work to secure our border.”
Join me in thanking the Texas National Guard for their daily work to secure our border.
Some work with the Texas Dept. of Public Safety to secure towns like Del Rio.
Others work to prepare for building a border wall & barriers.
Others guard remote areas.
@TexasGuard pic.twitter.com/0bqloeRpo2
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) September 23, 2021
This week, controversial images of Border Patrol agents blocking Haitian migrants from entering the United States led to allegations of mistreatment. Those allegations are now under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security.
The Biden administration has continued deportations to Haiti, prompting the resignation on Thursday of Daniel Foote, the administration’s special envoy to Haiti in response to what he called an “inhumane” practice. Foote was appointed to the role in July, following the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise.
A surge of Haitian migrants has traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border following political unrest and natural disasters in the country, while others originally from Haiti have traveled from South American countries facing economic downturns.
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Jackson Lee was one of several House Democrats who called on the Biden administration to cease all deportations to Haiti.
“This is an opportunity for the Biden administration to distinguish itself,” Jackson Lee said on CNN, arguing the administration should admit migrants who have not been determined to be a security threat.
