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The Biden administration said Wednesday that immigrants should not try to enter the U.S. yet because most of them will still be rejected under a Trump-era policy Biden is still examining. Last March, Trump ordered border officials to rapidly expel any migrants under a section of the public health code. White House secretary Jen Psaki informed reporters that “the vast majority” of immigrants will continue to be removed from the border even as President Joe Biden issues several immigraton-related orders to reverse former President Donald Trump’s policies. Erika Pinheiro, policy and litigation director with Al Otro Lado, said it was “incredibly disappointing” that the Biden administration is still following the CDC order. BuzzFeed News
In other federal immigration news…
Biden Prepares to End ‘Remain in Mexico’ Program
The Biden administration is developing plans to start allowing the entry of migrants forced to remain in Mexico under a Trump-era policy. Homeland Security officials told CNN that the administration has continued discussions on when to start slowly allowing migrants, including many asylum seekers, into the U.S. Draft internal documents emphasized the significance of health and safety protocols, and suggested admissions would possibly take place in two locations, the officials say. The administration is also reportedly focusing on finding a “fair and equitable way” to put those who were processed first in the program at the front of the line. CNN
Democrats and Advocates Ready for Immigration Plan Letdown
Biden’s immigration plan is set to make its debut in Capitol Hill next week. But people looking for a big, sweeping reform bill may be disappointed even as Democrats control the presidency and Congress. Democrats are coming together to pass popular immigration bills, including legislation to provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and immigrants from war-torn areas. But they told Politico they don’t see a path for any major overhauls. As Rep. Henry Cueller (D-Texas) noted, Democrats didn’t even pass these kinds of bills when the party had a larger majority under former President Barack Obama, so “it would be difficult” now. POLITICO
