Department of Security Outlines Plans to Secure the Southern U.S. Border when Title 42 is Lifted

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas announced updated plans on how U.S. immigration authorities are preparing to deal with a potential increase in migrant arrivals once Title 42 is lifted. In March 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) invoked section Title 42 of the U.S. Code to require the immediate expulsion of noncitizen single adults and families to protect Americans from the spread of COVID-19. On April 1, 2022, CDC announced that it was lifting the Order on May 23, 2022.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) anticipates migration levels will increase as in other countries, which is consistent with global trends.  There are currently more people in the world displaced from their homes than at any time since World War II, including in the Western Hemisphere.

DHS has detailed its plans to prepare for and manage increased encounters of noncitizens at the Southwest Border. Many elements of the plan are currently being implemented as the U.S. manages a historic number of encounters, including a record number of noncitizens trying to enter the United States multiple times. The six pillars of the new U.S. border security plan are outlined in a memorandum released by Secretary Mayorkas on April 26, 2022.