The United States will send 1,500 additional troops to its border with Mexico, the Pentagon spokesman announced on Tuesday, as a controversial health measure nears the expiration next week to deport foreign nationals without delay. migrants crossing US land borders.
Authorities fear a spike in arrivals at their border with the lifting of this measure, known as “
Title 42
”.
Temporary increase
"
At the request of the Department of Homeland Security
," the U.S. Secretary of Defense "
approved a temporary increase of 1,500 additional military personnel to supplement Border Patrol efforts on the southwest border
," it said. Pat Ryder.
For 90 days, they will support the police, particularly in terms of surveillance.
"
Military personnel will not directly participate in policing activities
," the spokesperson added.
They will add to the 2,500 troops already assisting border police and other agencies as they prepare for a surge in arrivals.
The Department of Homeland Security said that "
their support (will) enable law enforcement personnel to carry out their crucial work
".
Read alsoAt the border between Mexico and the United States, the explosion of migrant smuggling
“
Title 42
” is a measure related to the Covid-19 pandemic, put in place in 2020 under the Trump administration, which allows the immediate return of migrants without a visa, even potential asylum seekers .
It expires on May 11.
The United States announced last week new measures to facilitate the journey of asylum seekers or refugees, by creating "
management centers
" in Colombia and Guatemala.
Explosive subject
Immigration is a politically explosive topic in the United States.
The Republican opposition relentlessly attacks Joe Biden, whom it accuses of having turned the Mexican border into a sieve.
Republican lawmakers have also scheduled a press conference on Wednesday to call on the Democrat to "
keep Title 42 in place
," saying lifting it would "
exacerbate what is already a humanitarian and national security disaster on our southern border
."
As soon as he took office, Joe Biden put an end to the construction of the wall that Donald Trump wanted on the border with Mexico.
But the arrivals of migrants continue without his having succeeded in reforming the immigration system, still stranded in Congress where Republicans are in the majority in the House.
Read alsoThe United States resumes full issuance of immigration visas in Havana
As of May 11, another article, "
Title 8
", will be applied, recently said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
This article provides for accelerated deportations, accompanied by a ban on new entry into the territory for five years and possible criminal prosecution.
“
To be clear, the border is not open and will not open after May 11
”, according to Mr. Mayorkas, who nevertheless said he expected “
an upsurge
” in crossings at the Mexican border from the lifting of this measure.
Migrants, anxious to escape poverty or violence in their countries of origin, often take enormous risks to enter American soil.
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