The U.S. has had some of the highest numbers of COVID-19 deaths in the world, despite closing our borders to immigrants for most of 2020. According to the border crossing entry data from the U.S.-Mexico border in April - December 2020, there were an average of 12 million crossings each month for purposes other than immigration. While others have been allowed to cross the border without testing, most asylum seekers are still expelled under the Title 42 public health policy.
Meanwhile, procedures are in place for various agencies to test and quarantine those apprehended by agents along the border. Many public health experts believe that it’s possible to take precautions against COVID-19 while also fulfilling our obligations to allow those fleeing danger to seek asylum.