Mayorkas stressed that the new rules under the law known as Article Eight stipulate severe consequences for people who cross the border, even if it is to seek asylum.
A senior US official warned that immigrants who enter the United States without documents as Covid-related controls are lifted Thursday will face a long-term ban and the possibility of prosecution.
“Our borders are not open,” said US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorcas, hours before the United States implemented a new, strict immigration policy.
Mayorkas stressed that the new rules under the law known as Article Eight stipulate severe consequences for people who cross the border, even if it is to seek asylum.
“If anyone arrives at our southern border after midnight, they will be presumed ineligible for asylum and subject to more severe consequences for illegal entry, including a five-year ban on re-entry and possible criminal prosecution,” Mayorkas said.
At midnight on Thursday, Section 42 Law, which was established in January 2020 under the state of health emergency associated with the Coronavirus, will be lifted.
