Asylum seekers trying to migrate to the U.S. through the southern border with Mexico have mostly been denied entry since title 42 was issued in March, 2020. The Trump era policy allows for the immediate expulsion of migrants countering national asylum laws in what they claim to be an effort to contain the spread of Covid-19. Thus forcing LGBTQ+ migrants to await their asylum hearings in northern Mexico.
The LGBTQ+ migrants that seek asylum at the U.S. border are primarily fleeing Central American countries due to violence, discrimination, persecution & poverty. In fact, studies suggest that members of the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to be victims of violent crimes in these nations.
Title 42 has created a dangerous situation where migrants from all over the world have been forced to set up encampments in northern Mexico as they await their asylum hearings. Along with exposing migrants to hunger, poverty & unsanitary conditions, these camps are also plagued by the cartels.
As different human rights organizations have reported an alarming amount of crimes against LGBTQ+ migrants at the border. The Department of Homeland Security has also recognized that migrants from the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to be victims of violent crimes in these encampments due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Aside from being exposed to sexual and violent crimes, migrants in these encampents do not have access to essential medicines such as hormone treatments and HIV medication.
The Biden administration announced in April that they would end the policy but this motion was blocked by Louisiana judge Robert Summerhays on May 20. The White House responded by stating that they plan to make an appeal but will continue enacting title 42 in the meantime.