Freezing Temps Put Migrants at Risk in US
With around 33M people reportedly under winter storm watches and close to 27M under wind-chill alerts in the US, concerns have increased for recently arrived migrants who lack shelter and those who will be making crossings.
Facts
- With around 33M people reportedly under winter storm watches and close to 27M under wind-chill alerts in the US, concerns have increased for recently arrived migrants who lack shelter and those who will be making crossings.
- In many cities, including El Paso, Texas, shelter systems are strained, and photos of migrants attempting to stay warm while living on the streets have gone viral.
- In Denver, Colo., Mayor Michael Hancock declared a state of emergency last week as nearly 900 migrants have unexpectedly arrived in the last few months, including 600 since Dec. 2. This will allow the city, which has spent about $800k on migrant shelters, to access extra resources.
- Denver will be using recreation centers and other city facilities, including libraries, to serve as shelters and migrant reception centers.
- Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has deployed the National Guard to cut off major entry points in anticipation of a surge of migrants because of a scheduled end to Title 42, a Trump-era immigration policy that allowed the US to expel migrants to prevent the spread of COVID.
- On Monday, SCOTUS issued a temporary hold on the policy's termination —which had been set to expire on Wednesday — after several Republican-led states issued an emergency appeal. While the Biden admin. urged the court to reject the motion, it asked for the deadline to be delayed until at least Dec. 27 amid the influx of migrants.
Sources: Guardian, FOX News, CBS, Washington Post, and CNN.
Narratives
- Republican narrative, as provided by FOX News. The Biden admin. has failed to meet its constitutional duty to secure the border, putting states in an untenable situation where their safety is at risk and their resources are being stretched thin. If Title 42 ends, this crisis will only get worse.
- Democratic narrative, as provided by Guardian. This is undoubtedly a crisis; but a humanitarian one. These migrants have been through indescribable experiences, and it's time that the federal government and the states work together to find a solution and give these people a fresh start.
