The Latest Immigration Crisis

BY BOB MORGAN, JR.

As I have written for years, it is a shame that the immigration issue has become so politicized and that our leaders have not been able to come together with some reasonable solutions. But a new potential crisis again pushes immigration into the top of the headlines.

The latest development revolves around the lifting this week of Title 42, a public health measure used by border authorities during the pandemic as a basis for rejecting (and deporting) migrants seeking asylum in the United States.

Some background here. Under United States law, there is a right of asylum to those who are persecuted abroad or who have a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. For example, asylum has been granted to many individuals fleeing communist or fascist regimes. On the other hand, asylum is not generally available to individuals fleeing a country for purely economic reasons, which you would think describes most people seeking to enter the country at our southern border.

In recent years, however, many migrants have attempted to claim asylum in the United States, on such grounds as a fear of gang violence or domestic abuse in their home country. Indeed, from the Obama Administration onward, asylum claims have become a method of choice for migrant families since members are frequently admitted into the country pending a hearing of their claim, often months or years away. Not surprisingly, released individuals often do not appear for their hearings and basically disappear from the radar.

The Trump Administration held down admission of asylum claimants with, among other initiatives, its Remain in Mexico policy, which was pretty effective if arguably draconian and, once the COVID pandemic kicked in, by invoking Title 42 to allow immediate removal of asylum claimants.

The number of immigrants, particularly those claiming to be entitled to asylum, spiked sharply under the Biden Administration, which shelved Trump-era policies like Remain in

Mexico and providing for special programs aimed a migrants rom some countries. Indeed, many big cities like New York have had to take care of immigrants bused there from Texas and other states. Nevertheless, the influx of new migrants was somewhat kept in check under Mr. Biden by continuing to apply Title 42 at least to some of the asylum seekers.

Now, however, with Title 42 enforcement at an end, the Biden Administration is facing the likelihood of a huge wave of new migrants. While continuing to reject the Remain in Mexico policy, it has come up with some new initiatives, including placement of some troops at the border (but not for actual enforcement), opportunities to register asylum claims before reaching the border and summary hearings for asylum seekers who have not previously registered. It seems pretty doubtful that these measures will lessen the immigrant flow in the short run.

You would think that we could reach agreement on immigration based upon a few basic principles. The United States must have a secure border, and as a very rich country, it is an attractive destination to hundreds of millions of people, both in neighboring countries and around the globe who would like to come here. We cannot afford to admit everyone.

On the other hand, an influx of new workers is a good thing and most (although not all) would be immigrants are simply impoverished individuals desiring a better life for themselves and their families. You would think that, especially with today’s advances in electronics, there could be bipartisan efforts to genuinely secure the border and also to limit asylum claims to genuinely persecuted individuals in exchange for expanded opportunities to work here, both for entry-level labor and more skilled occupations. You would also think that, once the border is basically secure, we could address the situation of the millions of undocumented residents. But for decades now, politicians prefer to make immigration a political football rather than an opportunity to make our country stronger.

The Office Cat

From page 29

Sign struck

On May 7th a witness reported that a vehicle on Nassau Boulevard struck and damaged a street sign and left the scene without stopping.

Excessive speed

A Stewart Avenue motorist was charged with unlicensed operation and excessive speed on May 7th.

Lockdown drills

Garden City Police conducted lockdown drills in two area schools on May 8th.

Demonstration detail

Garden City Police were assigned to traffic and safety details for a demonstration on Old Country Road on May 8th.

Excessive speed

A Stewart Avenue motorist was charged with unlicensed operation and excessive speed on May 8th.

Aggravated unlicensed operation

A motorist on 2nd Street on May 8th was arrested for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (4 suspensions), improper license plates, and non-transparent windows.

Suspended registration

A Newmarket Road motorist was charged with driving with a suspended registration and passing a Stop sign on May 9th.

Threatening calls

On May 9th Garden City Police investigated a report of a local business receiving threatening phone calls.

Wrong lines

Garden City Police and Firefighters responded to Brompton Road on May 9th for a report of power lines down. Firefighters determined they were cable lines and secured the scene.

Missing adult located

Upon investigation of a suspicious person on May 9th, Garden City Police determined the subject was reported missing as a vulnerable adult from a Nassau County location. Nassau County Police were notified.

Leaving the scene

Officers investigated a report of a vehicle leaving the scene after colliding with another vehicle parked on New Hyde Park Road on May 9th.