North Coast California News

Washington, D.C.– U.S. Representative Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement after the lifting of Title 42:

“Title 42 was a Trump-era policy that began during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Ultimately, now that the order has been lifted due to the end of the public health emergency, Members of Congress from both parties must recognize that our immigration system is broken and we need more resources at the border. We must come together to pass comprehensive immigration reform that provides an earned pathway to citizenship and strengthens border security.

“I visit our southwest border regularly to meet with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and hear about the work they do every day. We must give CBP the resources it needs to process the looming increase in asylum cases it faces.

“My maternal grandparents emigrated from Mexico because they wanted to achieve the American dream and create a better life for their children and grandchildren. I know we can foster that same opportunity for future generations while also securing our border, and that’s what I’m fighting in Congress to accomplish. Unfortunately, I’ve found that many of my Republican colleagues would rather have immigration remain a political football they can use to score points than actually doing the work to fix it.”

Background: 

In March 2023, Rep. Levin met with U.S. Border Patrol personnel in Otay Mesa to hear directly about the challenges they were facing in the lead up to the lifting of Title 42 and to reiterate his support for more federal funding for Customs and Border Protection. Rep. Levin also toured the Temporary Migrant Processing Facility at the border station. He has visited the border numerous times throughout his tenure in Congress.

Rep. Levin has voted numerous times under the current and previous administrations to invest in technology and personnel at our ports of entry. This includes support for new technology to scan for drugs and detect unauthorized crossings to stop fentanyl smuggling. In Fiscal Year 2023, he helped pass $16.7 billion in funding for CBP, including $69.9 million for non-intrusive inspection systems and $30.2 million for border technology. He also supported $800 million for organizations in cities like San Diego that provide short-term housing and supportive services for migrants. Rep. Levin has voted to provide CBP with strong funding every year that he has been in Congress.

As a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), Rep. Levin is a proud cosponsor of the American Dream and Promise Act to create a pathway to citizenship for eligible Dreamers and secure permanent residency for those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) status.

Original source can be found here.