Migrants Cross US Mexico Border Before Title 42 Ends

Large numbers of migrants have gathered along the U.S.-Mexico border amid rumors that American immigration authorities may allow them into the country following the impending termination of a policy known as Title 42.

Introduced by former U.S. President Donald Trump in March 2020, Title 42 permitted the swift expulsion of migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The policy is set to end Thursday at midnight, North American Eastern Standard Time.

Just days before the deadline, hundreds of migrants, many from Colombia, Venezuela and Central America, have gathered at service gate number 40, located on the U.S.-Mexico border.

The migrants are hoping to be among the first to cross into the U.S. and take advantage of the asylum process. Others worry about the risk of being arrested and deported back to Latin America.

Felix Segundo, 45, is from Venezuela. He has been staying in Ciudad Juarez in Northern Mexico for nine months waiting for Title 42 to expire, hoping the country will welcome him.

"We are hearing many rumors on social media and from migrants who have crossed into the United States. They have told us that there's a good chance that U.S. officials will allow us to pass," Segundo said.

On Tuesday, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador spoke with U.S. President Joe Biden about managing the current immigration crisis.

Later, on Twitter, Lopez Obrador reaffirmed his "commitment to continue working together on issues such as migration with a humanist approach, on drug trafficking [and] firearms," and stressed "cooperation for the well-being of the poorest people of our continent."

Officials in the Mexican state of Chihuahua estimate that some 36,000 migrants have gathered in Ciudad Juarez alone. Other Mexican border cities also have received large numbers of migrants hoping to enter the United States.

Meanwhile, at a state government office, local residents have been donating clothing and shoes for migrant children.

Enrique Valenzuela directs the Chihuahua State Population Council. He said migrants are being misinformed about U.S. immigration policies.

"It's important that they understand the U.S. government has not opened the border to them. Title 8 is now in operation. It's an immigration policy aimed at returning them to their countries of origin," said Valenzuela.

Migrants and activists on both sides of the border have said the situation has escalated into a humanitarian crisis.

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