Title 42 is about to expire in US. Here’s what you need to know

The United States policy known as Title 42 will expire in a matter of hours, bringing one of the country’s most controversial border restrictions to an end more than two years after it was first imposed under the pretext of public health.

US officials are expecting to see an uptick in the number of migrants and refugees attempting to enter the country through the border with Mexico when Title 42 formally expires late on Thursday.However, amid pressure from Republican legislators to stem border crossings, the administration of US President Joe Biden has deployed additional troops and imposed new curbs in preparation for the end of the COVID-era restriction.

This has drawn concern from rights groups that accuse Washington of cracking down on asylum, a right recognised under both US and international law.

Here, Al Jazeera examines how Title 42 has worked, what impact the policy has had on migration at the US’s southern border, and what to expect when it ends.

Where does Title 42 come from?
Title 42 is derived from a previously obscure US public health law that dates back to 1944.

It was first invoked in March 2020 by former President Donald Trump’s administration, which argued it was necessary to stem the spread of COVID-19. Rights groups have said, however, that this was merely a pretext to crack down on immigration.How has the policy been used?
Title 42 has allowed US authorities to rapidly turn away most migrants and refugees who arrive at the country’s southern border, without giving them an opportunity to apply for protection.

Since it was first put in place, the US has recorded more than 2.8 million Title 42 expulsions, according to government figures. This includes people who may have been turned away multiple times.Had Washington tried to end Title 42 before this?
Yes. The Biden administration attempted to lift the policy last year after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Title 42 was no longer necessary to respond to the pandemic.

Had Washington tried to end Title 42 before this?
Yes. The Biden administration attempted to lift the policy last year after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Title 42 was no longer necessary to respond to the pandemic.