Johnson Opposes DHS Decision to Rescind Expedited Removal

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) along with 77 of his House Republican colleagues urged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to reverse its decision to rescind the Designating Aliens for Expedited Removal or “expedited removal” policy.

There were 164,973 migrant encounters at the southern border in February, a 7% increase from January and 63% increase from the previous year. This decision comes on the heels of the administration’s announcement it would not renew the Title 42 public health order that currently broadens DHS’ authority to deport an illegal immigrant as part of the pandemic response.

“By withdrawing expedited removal, you are continuing the Biden Administration’s soft stance on law and order and are encouraging citizens of other countries to illegally enter the United States,” said Johnson. “We strongly recommend maintaining the expanded scope of expedited removal initiated by President Trump and adopting policies that deter illegal migrant crossings rather than promote them.”

Section 235(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) allows DHS to remove aliens (1) caught at the border entering the United States illegally, or (2) who apply for admission at a port of entry with fraudulent documents or no documents at all, without placing those aliens into formal removal proceedings before an immigration judge (IJ) -- i.e., in a expedited manner.

Read the full letter here.

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