Ken Calvert, representative from CA’s 42st District doesn’t have a clue how communicable diseases work. Based on this idiotic twit, he seems to think that Covid-19 comes from Mexico. Of course, he’s not alone, several governors seem to make the same false claims. I am not sure if this makes Calvert better or worse, but I digress.
To be clear: Title 42 expulsions are removals by the U.S. government of persons who have recently been in a country where a communicable disease was present.
This Trump era policy was based on a feeling that immigrants were causing Covid-19. But let’s be honest, Trump was willing to do anything to limit immigration and using Covid-19 was an easy to sell to his base. But let’s get back to California’s own Calvert.
Let’s unpack his press release (quoted below) and not being an area of my expertise, please note problems that I might have missed…
By ending the enforcement of Title 42, President Biden is once again encouraging illegal immigration across our border and placing an unbearable burden on our federal law enforcement officers.”
April 1, 2022
Press Release
Title 42 identifies immigrants from countries that might be harboring infection diseases… right? Or did I miss something. And since the USA harbors Covid-19, I don’t see any justification for maintaining the restriction. What am I missing?
Forgive me, but am I supposed to feel sorry for boarder agents? Let’s talk about the migrants who face inhumane conditions. In most cases, these folks are unwillingly uprooted from their homes by no fault of their own. Seeking a better life in the US is, in fact, something that nearly every American can empathize with, even Donny Trump’s family.
The number of illegal immigrants and amount of illegal drugs, like fentanyl, coming into America was already at crisis levels even with Title 42 in place, and today’s announcement will only make a bad situation worse.
April 1, 2022
Press Release
Okay, I agree illegal drug trade and smuggling is an issue. Are we really that naïve to think that we had a significant decline in smuggling due to Title 42? Show me the data and I will reconsider!
It’s hard to understand why President Biden is lifting coronavirus restrictions on illegal immigrants before they are lifted on Americans flying on airplanes or riding trains.
April 1, 2022
Press Release
Is this a comment on mask wearing? Seriously? We are talking about people packed like sardines on airplanes, sharing some air. I for one would like to fly and feel safe, which means some level of masking might be helpful. Yes, it’s not a 100% assurance, but it reduces the probability of getting exposed. In my mind, that’s helpful.
Similarly, it’s hard to understand why we are lifting coronavirus restrictions on illegal immigrants before members of Congress are being required to show for work and cast votes in-person.
April 1, 2022
Press Release
Seriously, does this sound like a whiner or what? Is wearing a mask so tough? And how is wearing a mask comparable to people who have been unrooted from their homes and are living in a tough border town? These folks are hoping to become hard working Americans, what’s the problem with that?
The bottom line is we need a secure border and enforce the rule of law.
April 1, 2022
Press Release
The rule of law — I love this statement. This is Ken Calvert to voted to support Donald Trump’s attempt to undermine the rule of law and the legitimate election of Joe Biden. I am sorry Ken, you are far to compromised to make such a hypocritical statement.
And no, what we need Ken is a bottom line that fixes our immigration system — you almost sound like a trumpet section that we need to build a longer wall. Maybe you missed the over 1000 year history demonstrating that walls don’t work?
This Administration has made it clear that they are not interested in the integrity of our borders and continually place the needs of illegal immigrants above those of U.S. citizens and legal residents.
April 1, 2022
Press Release
Again, let’s talk about the administration’s goals to fix our immigration system. While the Republican Party has made the topic toxic, some democrats are making concrete proposals. But let’s also be honest about the Biden’s reactive approach it has been contradictory and confusing. In the end, this response has not demonstrated the type of leadership needed.
Clearly the 42st congressional district needs someone who has a clear understanding of the issue and willing to be a leader for comprehensive immigration reform. After two decades, we can easily conclude Ken Calvert has failed his constituents and the nation as a whole on this issue (among others). With the redistricting of the region from CA42 -> CA41, we will be looking to replace Calvert. I for one am ready for a change.