The Long-Overdue End of Title 42

And what this means for American values. Problems viewing this email? [View it in your browser]( [Center for American Progress]( InProgress from the Center for American Progress America's Values Are at Stake [Immigrants seeking asylum in the United States are processed by U.S. Border Patrol agents in the early morning hours after crossing into Arizona from Mexico on May 10, 2023 in Yuma, Arizona. A surge of immigrants is expected with the end of the U.S. government's Covid-era Title 42 policy, which for the past three years has allowed for the quick expulsion of irregular migrants entering the country. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)]( On May 11, the cruel and ineffective Title 42 order came to its long-overdue [end](. A [new column]( from the Center for American Progress explains that America can humanely and effectively meet the challenge of rising numbers of immigrants at the border. Title 42 is a Trump-era holdover policy—with [no credible public health basis](. It has been used to turn away people at the Southwest border almost [3 million times]( since the COVID-19 pandemic gave the Trump administration [an opening]( to use a global crisis to block immigrants from seeking asylum.” [Under Title 42]( tens of thousands of people have been expelled—and have been forced to return to unsafe conditions—without the chance for their legal claims for protection to be heard. Ending the inhumane Title 42 order is the right thing to do. Contrary to the inflammatory rhetoric and disturbing politicization of immigration we’ve seen from anti-immigration extremists, ending Title 42 [simply returns]( the United States to the long-standing laws on the books before COVID-19. In the absence of comprehensive reforms to America’s immigration system, the Biden administration should focus on [effective and humane border policies]( including providing local communities with additional [resources]( to support asylum-seekers. Anticipating the challenges to border communities in the weeks ahead, local leaders, with the support of the federal government, should treat migration as an asset rather than a liability to be managed or a [political football](. Americans can effectively meet the challenge of rising numbers at the border if we recognize that the forces creating anxiety about immigration are so much less powerful than the values that bind us together. [Learn More]( The Economic Consequences of Default In the past week, the United States marked its lowest annual inflation in two years, and the Black unemployment rate fell to its [lowest level in history](. The Biden administration’s economic plan has created a strong foundation for the economy to grow and create jobs, by investing in the middle class. Despite seasonal pressures, gas prices continue to remain significantly lower than 2022’s record highs. The prices of many foods [declined in April]( providing much-needed relief to families. But [our economic progress is at risk](. Earlier this month, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen informed lawmakers that the federal government is at risk of default, potentially as soon as June 1, if Congress fails to do its job and raise, suspend, or eliminate the nation’s borrowing authority. The United States has never intentionally defaulted on its obligations. Experts across the political spectrum agree that the consequences of default—or even a near brush with default—[would be catastrophic]( with long-term consequences for families, businesses, and the global economy. As the nation enters uncharted and potentially dangerous territory, please join the Center for American Progress on May 18, 2023, for a conversation with experts about what default might mean for the economy. [RSVP Now]( Tell Congress: We Need An Assault Weapons Ban Now! [Mariam (who did not want to use her last name) visits the memorial setup near the scene of a mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets mall on May 9, 2023 in Allen, Texas. Eight people were killed and seven wounded in the Saturday attack in which the gunman was killed by police, according to published reports. Three of the wounded are in critical condition, according to the reports. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)]( This week, the nation is in mourning after its 119th mass shooting of 2023. This time, innocent Americans lost their lives at the hands of a gunman armed with an assault weapon. Last Saturday, a gunman who appears to have been far-right extremist opened fire in an outlet mall in Allen, Texas, killing eight people and wounding seven, including several children. This was the [second-deadliest mass shooting of 2023](. A community is reeling in pain, a [6-year-old]( is without his parents and his 3-year-old brother, and Americans all across the country are in fear of going to everyday places such as a mall. How many more people must die before lawmakers put thoughts and prayers into action? Assault weapons and high-capacity magazines have no place in our society. During the 10-year period that a federal ban on assault weapons was previously in effect, mass shooting fatalities were [70 percent less likely to occur](. Tell Congress to act immediately to keep these dangerous weapons out of our communities. [Take Action]( Progress in Action: Improving Infrastructure To Support Small Businesses Building infrastructure is more than just roads and highways: Infrastructure connects our communities. Downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan, is experiencing this firsthand, thanks to President Joe Biden’s [infrastructure]( investments. In an op-ed, Kalamazoo entrepreneur Kim Guess outlines precisely how the funding is making the city safer, inviting, and prosperous. As Guess [notes]( small businesses can overcome a lot, but they cannot overcome the physical difficulties of their surroundings, including complicated roads, dangerous streets, and unwalkable conditions. With new infrastructure investments, the [Streets for All project]( will improve walkability, expand streets into two-ways, and slow vehicle traffic to create space for pedestrians. This project is expected to produce a [$22 million net benefit]( for the Kalamazoo community. These elements are crucial to fostering community and building [access to local businesses](. Small businesses are a critical piece of creating strong communities, and prioritizing them through complementary infrastructure is life-changing for business owners and the community. [Learn More]( A Democratic Tipping Point in Israel? “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right coalition’s attempt to ram through a drastic overhaul of the Israeli judicial system has led to historic civil unrest and protests, leaving the country at a crossroads regarding its democracy. The potential consequences for Israeli governance are staggering. The public uproar demonstrates that Israeli citizens clearly understand the repercussions of Netanyahu’s overhaul and stand united—despite differences in perspectives, politics, and identities—to protest the looming threat to democracy. Please join the Center for American Progress on May 17, 2023, for a discussion on the political turmoil engulfing Israel and what the proposed judicial overhaul would mean for Israel—a key U.S. ally—and democracies everywhere. [RSVP Now]( Teachers Deserve More [An indigo background with 9 repeating, illustrated, red apples. White text over the background reads “Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 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