WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07)  issued a statement following the Biden administration’s announcement of the regional migration centers that the United States will implement with partners in South and Central America in the lead up to the removal of Title 42:

“The Biden administration’s new measures to address the end of Title 42 are a step in the right direction, but there are still significant concerns regarding these latest actions. Policies like transit bans and expedited removal are draconian and circumvent domestic and international law. It’s critical that all asylum seekers fleeing credible violence receive due process and pathways to asylum are expanded not restricted. The establishment of in-country processing centers will help to humanely deter irregular migration and give people with limited resources a safer opportunity to apply for asylum. It’s critical that as these measures are implemented that we also provide access to asylum for those who may not have the means to apply electronically.”

“I look forward to working with the Biden administration to ensure the safety of asylum seekers and that these new regional centers have the proper resources and staffing to process asylum claims equitably and fairly. I will continue to work with border communities to ensure they have the necessary funding to address the humanitarian needs of those seeking asylum in Southern Arizona and across the country. As Title 42 comes to an end, we must work together to give the Biden administration the resources they need to ensure an efficient, just and humane immigration system.”