Arizona Senators discuss Title 42 with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary

Discussions following recent announcement regarding Title 42

WASHINGTON (KYMA, KECY) - On Wednesday, Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly (both D-AZ) discussed the changes made to Title 42 and if there were any plans to follow.

They spoke with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas regarding the dangers of certain communities if there is no plan to go along with the end of Title 42.

“Ending Title 42 without a comprehensive plan in place puts at risk the health and safety of migrants and Arizona communities. We’ll keep working with Arizona local leaders, DHS agents and officers, and community organizations serving on the front lines of the migrant crisis to hold the Administration accountable to ensure we secure the border, keep Arizona communities safe, and ensure the fair and humane treatment of migrants,” expressed Senator Sinema.

Both Senators recently sent a letter urging the Biden Administration to have a contingency plan if Title 42 were to end.

“From day one, I have worked to ensure a secure, humane, and orderly process at our southern border. There is still not an adequate plan or sufficient coordination to end Title 42 without further straining our law enforcement, border communities, and nonprofits providing humanitarian assistance to migrants. We’ll continue to push the Biden administration for the resources and support Arizona needs amid this crisis at our southern border,” said Senator Kelly.

Eric Welsh, an immigration attorney for Reeves Immigration Law Group, who works on asylum claims, says the removal of title 42 could lead to a surge in border activity.

As migrants who have been subject to Title 42 will be able to cross again.

"Even if you have been expelled under title 42, you will be able to be given the same privileges as anyone who is seeking asylum," Welsh said.

NBC News said Title 42 is expected to end on May 23rd.