FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2022
PRESS CONTACT
Spencer Tilger | media@refugeerights.org
IRAP RESPONDS TO EXPANSION OF TITLE 42 EXPULSIONS AND CREATION OF VENEZUELAN PAROLE PROGRAM
(New York, NY) – Yesterday, the Biden administration announced it will expand Title 42 expulsions to include Venezuelans and create a temporary parole program that will allow up to 24,000 Venezuelans to enter and work in the United States, provided they have the support of a sponsor in the United States, among other requirements that would render large numbers of Venezuelans ineligible.
Jennifer Babaie, U.S.-Mexico Border Program Director at the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), responded:
“While it is important that the Biden administration recognizes the extreme hardships forcing Venezuelans to flee their country, the benefits of this new parole program will be offset by the expansion of Title 42, a policy that forces migrants back into danger. Emergency responses should expand pathways to safety, not shut them off.
Given the Biden administration’s stated intention to end Title 42 expulsions, it is outrageous that the administration would instead move to expand the Trump-era policy and deny Venezuelans access to the asylum system. Title 42 expulsions have never been about protecting public health, but are instead illegal and xenophobic attacks on the right to seek asylum.
The ability to find safety should not be determined by someone’s existing ties to the U.S. or by their nationality, and the Biden administration must fulfill its promise to restore the U.S. asylum and refugee programs to provide lasting protection and support to those in need.”
Additional Information
Read IRAP’s amicus brief opposing Title 42: HERE
Learn more about IRAP’s U.S.-Mexico Border Program, which has assisted hundreds of migrants in vulnerable situations apply for Title 42 exemptions: HERE
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