ToplineThe Washington Post reported Tuesday that federal immigration authorities want to offer migrants at the southern border the chance to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. This is in response to concerns about the possibility of outbreaks in border towns or migrant detention centers and an increase in border arrests.After a group of asylum seekers crossed the Rio Grande into Texas, a U.S. Border Patrol agent gave them masks. Getty ImagesThe Key FactsAccording to the Post, the Department of Homeland Security is planning to send doses of Johnson & Johnson's single-shot vaccine to border officials. The Post cited two DHS employees but didn't give a time frame. According to reports, immigration agents may offer to vaccinate migrants who are being deported or released into the United States. However, border-crossers who are arrested within hours will not be allowed to access the doses. This is due to Title 42, a public health policy that excludes 58% of those migrants arrested at the border in July. Although some migrants in custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which enforces immigration laws within the country's interior, have been vaccinated, vaccination rates remain low. Forbes was told by a spokesperson for DHS that the agency's protocols have not changed. It is important to ensure the safety and health of the workforce as well as the welfare of the migrants under our care.Important BackgroundRecent months have seen an increase in illegal border crossings. In June, arrests reached their highest level in 20 years, partly due to repeat offenders. Some politicians and experts have warned that border communities, as well as immigration staffers, are at risk from the coronavirus epidemic. The Border Patrol facility in Texas was overflowing with unaccompanied minors this spring. Children were placed in tight quarters with little social distancing. Some border cities warned of insufficient testing or scattered Covid-19 cases among families who have been released from U.S. custody. This week, the Biden administration recognized the danger. Title 42 was extended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a controversial Trump-era policy which allows immigration agents to quickly expel migrants rather than detain them. They also warned that Covid-19 could spread within Border Patrol holding facilities.TangentThe reported push to immunize migrants comes at a time when Covid-19 cases are on the rise nationwide. This is largely due to the new, more deadly Delta virus. According to the CDC, more than 80% U.S. counties are currently at risk of being infected by viral disease. This includes many border areas between the U.S. and Mexico. Even though daily vaccinations remain well below the April peak, immunizations have increased in pace over recent weeks.Continue readingBiden administration prepares to offer vaccines for migrants at the Mexico border (Washington Post).
