The Supreme Court has ruled to extend Title 42, and while some states are cheering on the court’s decision, others are calling it a shame.  

The policy keeps in place pandemic-era limits on asylum, dashing hopes of migrants who have been fleeing violence and inequality in Latin America and elsewhere to reach the United States.

Title 42 was activated by former President Donald Trump. In turn, large numbers of migrants were turned away from the border over concerns of the spread of COVID-19 – a reasoning that activists Hilda Arcangel and Christine Colon aren’t buying.  

“It started based off of bias,” said Colon. “It definitely wasn’t based on what was being said.” 

A lower court ruled in favor of ending Title 42, but supporting states appealed to keep it in place. It made its way to the Supreme Court before being kept in place. It isn’t clear how long that’ll last.  

New York City leaders such as Mayor Eric Adams have said before that increased influxes of migrants could further strain resources that city officials say are already spread thin. 

The Supreme Court is set to further discuss Title 42 in February.