US Homeland Security Secretary Says 'Border Is Not Open' as Title 42 Lapses
US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said, “people who arrive at the border without using a lawful pathway will be presumed ineligible for asylum,” after a pandemic-era immigration policy expired late on Thursday, May 11.
“Do not believe the lies of the smugglers,” Mayorkas said in a video statement. “People who do not use available legal pathways to enter the US now face tougher consequences, including a minimum five-year ban on reentry and potential criminal prosecution.”
Citing officials, local media reported 13,000 people, more than double the current average, were expected to cross the southern US border every day once Title 42 lifted at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on Thursday.
Authorities in Texas established barricades, including barbed wire, at points along the border with Mexico in anticipation of increased crossings. Credit: Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas via Storyful
Video transcript
ALEJANDRO N. MAYORKAS: Starting tonight, people who arrive at the border without using a lawful pathway will be presumed ineligible for asylum. We are ready to process and swiftly remove people without a legal basis to remain in the US. Do not believe the lies of smugglers. People who do not use available legal pathways to enter the US now face tougher consequences, including a minimum five-year ban on re-entry and potential criminal prosecution. We are prepared for this transition and will enforce our laws. Thank you.
Starting tonight, people who arrive at the border without using a lawful pathway will be presumed ineligible for asylum. We are ready to process and swiftly remove people without a legal basis to remain in the US. Do not believe the lies of smugglers. People who do not use available legal pathways to enter the US now face tougher consequences, including a minimum five-year ban on re-entry and potential criminal prosecution. We are prepared for this transition and will enforce our laws. Thank you.
