The policy, which was first invoked by the Trump administration at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, is scheduled to end on May 23, per a decision by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Paxton stated in a news release that the termination of Title 42 enforcement is “the most consequential” in a series of “disastrous” policy moves regarding the southern border.
“Without Title 42, hundreds of thousands more illegal aliens will flood Texas every month — even more than have been pouring over in the past year,” the attorney general said.
“His goal is simple: get as many illegals in this country as fast as possible without any concern for the potential criminal or terrorist background of those crossing the border. This is allowing the cartels to maximize their profits and their effectiveness. Biden cannot make such sweeping decisions without going through the process required by federal law. He didn’t, so I’m suing. I’ll hold him accountable and do all I can to protect Texans.”
The action is the tenth lawsuit the State of Texas has filed against the Biden administration over illegal immigration and the 26th lawsuit against the president overall.
The Biden administration has characterized Title 42 as a necessary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic rather than an immigration policy.
President Biden himself is reportedly considering walking back his decision to end the program as members of Congress in both parties are anxious about the expected spike in illegal crossings.
About half of the illegal aliens apprehended in March were slated for expulsion under Title 42. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has estimated that there could be up to 18,000 encounters with illegal aliens every day if the policy ends.
Paxton is currently facing Land Commissioner George P. Bush in a runoff for the Republican nomination on May 24.
Copies of Texas’ complaint and motion for a preliminary injunction can be found below.
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Hayden Sparks
Hayden Sparks is a senior reporter for The Texan and a lifelong resident of the Lone Star State. He has coached competitive speech and debate and has been involved in politics since a young age. One of Hayden's favorite quotes is by Sam Houston: "Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may."
