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  • Understanding Title 42: The Intersection of Public Health and Immigration

    Understanding Title 42: The Intersection of Public Health and Immigration

    What is Title 42?

    Title 42, established under the Public Health Service Act of 1944, grants the U.S. government authority to expel individuals recently present in a country with a communicable disease. Section 362 of the act allows the Surgeon General to halt the “introduction of persons or property” to prevent the spread of disease. While rarely used in modern history, Title 42 became a key immigration enforcement tool during the first Trump administration.

    The first recorded use of Title 42 occurred in 1929 to restrict entry from China and the Philippines during a meningitis outbreak. Decades later, on March 20, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) invoked the policy to limit the spread of COVID-19 across state and national borders.

    Implementation and Impact

    During the first two years of its enforcement, Title 42 was used around 2.5 million times to deport migrants entering the U.S. It gave border control agents the authority to expel migrants without offering the opportunity for them to seek asylum, although families and children traveling alone were exempt from this provision. Beginning in January 2023, migrants coming from Mexico could request a Title 42 exemption through the CBP One app if they met vulnerability criteria.  

    In April 2022, the CDC announced that Title 42 was no longer necessary and would be terminated in May 2022, citing increased vaccination rates and improved treatments for COVID-19. However, several Republican-led states challenged this decision, and the case went to the Supreme Court. While the Court allowed continued enforcement of Title 42 before it heard arguments, it dismissed the case the following year. Title 42 expired in May 2023.

    Arguments in Favor of Title 42

    Supporters of Title 42, including the Trump administration, argued that the policy was necessary to limit the spread of COVID-19 in detention centers and, by extension, within the United States. In a 2020 briefing, President Trump stated that his actions to secure the northern and southern border under Title 42 would “save countless lives.” The Trump administration’s declaration of a COVID-19 national emergency on March 18th, 2020, framed stricter immigration policy as a matter of public health.

    Some states also supported Title 42 to prevent a surge in migration that could overwhelm their border facilities. Texas, for example, argued that lifting the policy would place an undue burden on the state, leading it to implement Operation Lone Star, which allocated state resources to border security.

    The policy also received occasional bipartisan support, and was willfully enforced by the Biden administration until the CDC attempted to terminate Title 42 in April 2022. In early 2022, at least nine Democrats argued that Title 42 should be extended. President Biden also debated whether or not the policy should end. In January 2023, he expanded the scope of Title 42 to include migrants originating from Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Venezuela. 

    Arguments Against Title 42

    Critics of Title 42 argue that it violates international norms, particularly Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the right to seek asylum. While the U.S. did not ratify the declaration, it played a key role in its creation and remains a signatory. Additionally, since 1980, U.S. law has recognized the right to seek asylum, rendering Title 42’s restrictions controversial in the context of global and domestic asylum norms.

    Public health experts also questioned the policy’s effectiveness in controlling COVID-19. There is no statistical evidence linking Title 42 expulsions to a reduction in COVID-19 cases. Instead, critics suggest that overcrowding in detention centers may have worsened public health conditions. One migrant described being held in “crowded conditions” for days without COVID-19 testing before being transported in similarly congested vehicles. Additionally, a senior advisor to the Trump administration pushed for the use of Title 42 before COVID-19, raising concerns about whether the policy was implemented for genuine public health reasons. 

    Opponents also contend that Title 42 subjected migrants to precarious conditions. Doctors Without Borders emphasized that mass expulsions left individuals without access to shelter, food, medical care, or legal representation. A fire in a migrant detention center, which killed 39 people, underscored these risks; surveillance footage showed detainees trapped in locked cells while guards failed to intervene. Critics also argue that the policy’s implementation often resulted in asylum seekers being detained in poor conditions and returned to the dangers they had fled.

    Future Prospects

    While Title 42 was invoked as a measure to protect public health, its effectiveness in achieving those goals remains debated. Proponents argue it was an effective solution that addressed co-occurring public health and immigration crises, while opponents argue it invited human rights violations and had a counterproductive impact on public health. Internal documents collected from the Trump administration in February 2025 suggest that President Trump aims to reinstate Title 42 policies, labeling unauthorized migrants as “public health risks” that “could spread communicable diseases like tuberculosis.” The Trump administration previously shut down the CBP One app, which assisted migrants in requesting Title 42 exemptions. The policy continues to evoke mixed reactions, and if reintroduced, past experiences may provide insights into its potential impact.

  • Pros and Cons of the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act

    Pros and Cons of the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act

    What is the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act?

    The National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018 mandated the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to coordinate with relevant agencies to study and implement a three-digit dialing code, later designated as 988, for the national mental health crisis hotline. Introduced by Senators Cory Gardner, Tammy Baldwin, Jack Reed, and Jerry Moran, the Act aims to simplify the process of reaching out for help during a crisis, given the rising suicide rates among youth and high-risk groups such as veterans, LGBTQIA+ people, and individuals in rural areas.

    Arguments in Favor of the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act

    Improved Accessibility and Crisis Service Coordination

    One of the primary arguments in favor of the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act is that it offers better access to mental health support. By designating 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention hotline number, proponents say the Act simplifies the process of seeking help during a crisis. According to a national report, a three-digit number is easier to remember than the previous ten-digit number, which helps ensure that individuals in distress can quickly access the support they need. Proponents highlight that such an ease of access significantly increases the likelihood of timely assistance, which is crucial in emergency situations where every second counts. Furthermore, using the 988 number for mental health crises directs individuals in distress to appropriate and specialized professional support which they may not otherwise receive from the more general 911 line. Some praise this aspect of the Act for relieving the burden on other emergency medical services, which are often overburdened and under-equipped to respond to mental health crises on top of other emergencies. 

    Follow-Up and Continuous Care

    Supporters also praise the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act’s emphasis on follow-up and continuous care for individuals who contact the 9-8-8 Lifeline. The Act recognizes that immediate crisis intervention is just the first step in preventing suicide and addressing mental health crises. By ensuring systematic follow-up programs, the Lifeline can provide ongoing support to individuals after their initial contact. Follow-up care can include regular check-ins, referrals to local mental health services, and support in navigating the healthcare system, all of which contribute to a comprehensive approach to crisis management and suicide prevention. Proponents hold that this continuous engagement helps to maintain the well-being of individuals, citing a study that suggests follow-up care reduces the risk of future crises and improves overall mental health outcomes. 

    Enhanced Funding and Resource Allocation

    Supporters claim the Act also has the capacity to drive a cultural shift in how mental health crises are perceived and addressed. By equating the importance of mental health emergencies with medical emergencies, proponents argue that the legislation encourages greater recognition and prioritization of mental health issues. This shift has the potential to lead to increased funding and resources for mental health services, ultimately improving the quality and availability of care. Indeed, the Biden-Harris Administration’s investment of nearly $1 billion in the 988 Lifeline, including a sub-network for Spanish speakers, highlights the commitment to expanding and enhancing these critical services.

    Arguments Against the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act

    Uneven State Response

    One significant concern regarding the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act is the uneven state response to the 9-8-8 implementation. Critics highlight that in-state answer rates currently range from 55% to 98%, indicating significant disparities in service quality across the country. States like Alaska, which have the lowest in-state answer rates, often lack local call centers. As a result, residents are redirected to national backup centers that may lack access to or knowledge of local resources for treatment referrals. This variability leads to different levels of accessibility and dependability, which critics claim compromises the overall effectiveness of the 988 hotline and leaves individuals in certain areas without the crucial help they need during crises. Critics warn that the discrepancies in care between states might lead to a general distrust of the hotline.

    Resource and Capacity Constraints

    Critics also argue that the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act was enacted without proper attention to resource allocation and capacity building. They claim that building the infrastructure for a new nationwide crisis hotline is a long-term endeavor, complicated by a national shortage of mental health professionals. Critics point to the development of the 911 system, which took decades to achieve full operational capacity, as a predictor of the difficulties that may be faced with such a quick 9-8-8 rollout. They argue that workforce shortages and infrastructure limitations could delay the system’s full functionality, potentially causing a snowball effect in which crisis centers drop out of the network, rendering care less accessible, reducing the effectiveness and legitimacy of the hotline, and ultimately dissuading people in crisis from calling.

    Low Public Awareness

    Another crucial issue is the low public awareness of the 988 Lifeline and its purpose. Without widespread knowledge and understanding of the service, the number’s reach and impact are significantly reduced. Critics highlight that many Americans, particularly racial minorities and those without a college education, are unaware of the 988 hotline or do not understand how to use it. They argue that the Act should have included more specific programs to increase consumer awareness of the hotline, especially in communities where mental health is a taboo topic. Similar to the rollout of 911, building public awareness will take significant time and effort to ensure that the 988 lifeline is effectively utilized by all segments of the population. Critics of the bill claim this awareness curve could have been mitigated by a more robust public outreach strategy. 

    Conclusion

    The National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act aims to improve access to mental health crisis support by simplifying the process of reaching out for help. Some believe the Act was an urgently needed intervention that provided an adequate basis for the national hotline, while others argue its passage could have been delayed to include more specifics on public awareness and capacity building. While the Act has the capacity to greatly enhance mental health crisis intervention and reduce suicide rates, challenges such as uneven state responses, resource constraints, and low public awareness must be addressed to fully realize its benefits.

  • A Guide to the DNC: Day 1

    A Guide to the DNC: Day 1

    Monday, August 19th marks the first night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Illinois. The theme of the night is “For the People.” The start of this convention marks one month and a day since President Biden announced he would not be running for re-election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency. 

    The first major event of the convention was the ceremonious vote to confirm Tim Walz as the Democratic Party’s nominee for Vice President. In this ceremonious vote, the Democrats’ delegates reaffirmed the nomination of Tim Walz. Walz is expected to officially accept the nomination in his speech Wednesday night. The delegates officially nominated Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as the Party’s nominee for President and Vice President in a virtual meeting earlier this month. The convention will hold Harris’ ceremonious confirmation vote on Tuesday night. 

    The convention then moved into agenda-setting measures in which the Democratic Party committees gave their committee reports and plans for the Democratic Party’s platform. The convention then moved into hearing speakers pledging their support for Vice President Harris and Governor Walz, speaking on the Democratic Party’s platform for 2024, and criticizing Donald Trump and the Republican Party’s political agenda.

    Around 8:10 pm Central Time, Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance on stage. During her quick appearance, she thanked President Joe Biden for his service as president and urged her supporters to unite and turn out to vote this November, stating that “When we fight, we win.”

    The host for the first night of the DNC, actor and director Tony Goldwyn, followed Harris, giving a speech in which he argued that this election is about the future of America and that Harris and Trump each represent “two very different futures” for America. He then stated that Harris represents the “future of the middle class, the future of reproductive rights, the future of the climate, security, and schools, and the future of our very democracy.” He describes Harris as a leader who will fight for the futures of all Americans, amping up the crown as he continued to mark Harris’ accomplishments throughout the night.

    Key Speakers:

    Mallory McMorrow, Michigan State Senator: Addressing Project 2025

    State Senator McMorrow came on stage with a copy of Project 2025, a policy plan for a Republican lead administration. She then read excerpts from the plan in which she argued Project 2025 sets the stage for a Trump dictatorship as the policy plan would allow him to appoint an “army of loyalists” to positions of power within the government and weaponize the Department of Defense, going so far as to argue that Trump could make the “FBI his own personal police force” through Project 2025’s policies. She then claims that another Trump presidency would make him “immune to the law” and prosecution because he “handpicked” the current Supreme Court. She then stated that Kamala Harris would protect American democracy, reiterating Harris’s campaign message of “not going back” to a Trump administration.  

    Steve Kerr, Team USA Men’s Basketball coach and Golden State Warriors coach

    Steve Kerr first recapped his experience watching the men’s and women’s Olympic Basketball teams winning gold and the pride he felt for his country in that moment. He then relates his experience as a coach and former basketball player helping him know what kind of leader he and his fellow Americans need. He underscored that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have the leadership qualities the “country needs.” He also urges unity, comparing the success of twelve Americans winning gold in Paris in Men’s Basketball to the success America could have when its citizens put aside their party identities. Kerr then encourages people to vote, using Stephen Curry’s catchphrase to emphasize his hopes that on election day this November, “we can tell Donald Trump ‘night, night.’”

    Shawn Fain, President of the United Automobile Workers

    Shawn Fain first thanked President Biden for walking the picket line with Union Automobile Workers in September of 2023. He then praised Kamala Harris, stating that she is “one of us” and a “fighter for the working class” while calling Donald Trump a “scam,” causing the crowd at the DNC to begin chanting “Trump’s a scam.” Fain criticized Trump’s ability to bring back automobile jobs, claiming that “Donald Trump is all talk, and Kamala Harris walks the walk because “Trump did nothing” while union workers were on strike in 2019 while Kamala Harris stood alongside union workers on the picket line.

    Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, New York

    Ocasio-Cortez first shared her experience working as a waitress, fighting bills and home foreclosure due to her father’s unexpected death, before being elected congresswoman for the House of Representatives. She states that like herself, Kamala Harris is “from the middle class and for the middle class.” She states that Harris is committed to not only protecting reproductive rights and civil rights and taking down corporate greed but is also committed to “securing a cease-fire in Gaza and bringing hostages home.” Ocasio-Cortez then criticizes Trump for only “fighting for the wealthy and big businesses” and urges Democratic supporters to not only vote Harris and Walz into the White House but to vote to get strong democratic majorities in Congress. Ocasio-Cortez finishes her speech by underscoring Harris’ campaign messages, stating that “the people of this nation will not go back” and that this nation will create a path that is “for the people and by the people.”

    Hillary Clinton, Former United States Secretary of State

    Hilary Clinton first spoke of women’s first throughout America’s political history, from when women finally gained the right to vote in 1920 to acknowledging Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to run for President. Clinton marked the historic nature of her run for office in 2016 and Kamala Harris’ current run for office, stating that both of their parents would urge them to “keep going” as Clinton urges the American people to “keep going” in order to send Harris to the White House. Clinton then draws similarities between her and Harris as they both got their start in politics as “young lawyers helping children who were abused and neglected,” describing Harris’ background as a prosecutor and contrasting that background to Trump’s status of becoming the first convicted felon to run for president. Clinton’s speech reiterated Harris’ commitment to being “for the people” and highlighted the parallels between her run for the presidency and Harris’ run.

    James E. Clyburn, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, South Carolina

    James Clyburn began his speech by announcing the accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration, including their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the nation’s infrastructure. He then targets Project 2025, calling the policy plan “Jim Crow 2.0” and arguing that Trump is only “falsely pleading ignorance” on the subject. Clyburn then quotes the Bible to demonstrate America’s perseverance and that under Harris, America will “march to a more perfect union.”

    Jamie Raskin, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Maryland

    Jamie Raskin first criticized the Republican party, stating that Republican leadership converted the party from a “party of Lincoln” to a “cult of personality.” He then references the January 6 attack on Congress in 2021, highlighting his concern for the protection of democracy if Trump were to be re-elected, citing Trump’s attempt to overturn the 2020 election results as evidence that Trump does not wish to maintain a peaceful democracy. 

    Jasmine Crockett, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Texas

    Jasmine Crockett criticizes Republicans for holding legislation that would “secure the border and send aid to Ukraine.” Crockett then states that Harris has “lived the American Dream” while Trump has been “America’s Nightmare,” arguing that Harris is the only candidate qualified for the position of president. Crockett then draws parallels between her career as a public defender to Harris’ career as a prosecutor, telling the story of how Harris gave her advice when Crockett was first elected to the House of Representatives, leaving an impactful mark on the congresswoman. She states that when Harris is elected as president, “America will be a beacon of hope once more.”

    Joint Remarks: Amanda and Josh Zurawski, Texas; Kaitlyn Joshua, Louisiana; Hadley Duvall, Kentucky

    The Zurawskis, Kaitlyn Joshua, and Hadley Duvall each shared their experience with receiving reproductive health in their respective states. They pledge their support for Kamala Harris and desire for a national bill to ensure the right to an abortion and reproductive freedom. 

    Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky

    Andy Beshear first criticized Trump and Vance’s stance on abortion rights and the Supreme Court’s overturning of Row vs. Wade, arguing that “all women should have the freedom to make their own decisions.” He remarked on Harris’ call and action of unity, stating that Harris acts to support all Americans, not just the ones who vote for her. He reiterated the need for Americans to “love thy neighbor” in a time of division. 

    Reverend Raphael G. Warnock, United States Senator, Georgia

    Raphael Warnock highlighted the Democrats’ accomplishments in 2020, stating that they not only sent Biden and Harris to the White House, but they also “vaccinated [their] citizens” and “stood by [their] small businesses.” Warnock criticized Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his instigation of the January 6th insurrection that led to “voter suppression laws in Georgia and around the country.” He argues that this election decides if the nation will “embrace all of us or just some of us” and that Trump seeks to divide the American people while Kamala Harris and Tim Walz represent “the new way forward.” 

    Chris Coons, United States Senator, Delaware

    Chris Coons praised President Biden’s accomplishments during his presidency and thanked Jill Biden for her continued support of Joe Biden. He describes Biden as a compassionate man and friend who has “done so much for this country” and thanked Biden for his courage in “fighting for our democracy.” 

    Dr. Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States

    Dr. Jill Biden compared Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ character, stating that they know how to “heal wounds” and “serve the community.” She urges Harris supporters to “fight and win” together, throwing her support behind Harris and reiterating the Democratic Party’s commitment to the transfer of power between Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. 

    Joe Biden, President of the United States

    Introduced by his daughter Ashley Biden, Joe Biden gave the keynote speech for Night 1 of the DNC. He walked onto the stage to chants of “We love Joe” from the crowd and replied, “America, I love you.” He then moved to attack Trump’s response to losing the 2020 election, stating that “you can’t only love America when you win” and arguing that the change in leadership allowed “democracy to prevail” but in this new election cycle the people must ensure that “democracy is preserved.” Biden then spoke on the rise of extremism and anti-semitism that has occurred in this country since Trump’s presidency, citing the Charlottesville riots in 2017 as one of the compelling factors that encouraged him to run for President in 2020. He then reiterated his commitment to the middle class and dedication to “all Americans.” Biden also addressed the protesters outside the convention, who are calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, stating that they “have a point” and promising that his Secretary of State is working to bring the hostages home and increase the amount of humanitarian aid entering Gaza. Biden also called for a ceasefire and an end to the war in Gaza. 

    Crediting his administration with getting control of the COVID-19 pandemic, creating the “strongest economy in the world,” creating record jobs and small business growth, passing stronger gun control, reducing the cost of higher education, and lowering inflation, Biden claims that America is “moving in the right direction.” He then closes with the remark that “America is a nation of possibility” and that Harris and Walz understand that about America, reiterating his commitment and support for Kamala Harris’ campaign for president.