New York – AFP
The United States announced, on Sunday, its readiness to deal with a large influx of immigrants from the border with Mexico, following the end of a procedure allowing for their immediate deportation, which raises controversy with Republicans, and worries Democrats.
In a statement to CNN, US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mallorcas confirmed his department’s readiness to deal with a new influx of immigrants expected following the expiration of “Chapter 42” on May 23, a measure that allowed during the past two years to expel immigrants detained at the border. immediately.
He addressed those wishing to immigrate irregularly, saying: “Do not come.”
Despite the restrictions, US border police have arrested an average of 7,800 illegal immigrants per day over the past three weeks, nearly five times the rate of 1,600 per day between 2014 and 2019 before the pandemic.
In response to a question regarding the authorities’ expectations that the number of arrivals will reach 18,000 per day following the lifting of restrictions, Mayorcas said: “We do not expect 18,000, but we are preparing for different scenarios.” “There is no doubt that if we reach this number, our system will be subject to extraordinary stress. But we are preparing for that.”
Months before the congressional midterm elections, Republicans attacked the Joe Biden administration for lifting exceptional restrictions on immigration, and Democrats from border states expressed reservations regarding the White House’s decision.
Since the introduction of Chapter 42 in 2020, the authorities have carried out more than 1.7 million deportations.
But the Biden administration’s desire to lift the measure is threatened by a ruling issued Monday, which supports the view of Republican-led states that have called for blocking the president’s decision. A hearing will be held on May 13 to determine whether the government can lift the measure.