Immigration reform needed

On Dec. 27, the Supreme Court held that a pandemic era health measure under Title 42 of the United States Code would for the time being remain in place. This law has been used as a way for border officials to quickly expel migrants without allowing for asylum applications otherwise required by law.

At the beginning of the COVID pandemic this procedure was justified. But with the lifting of other pandemic health measures, the rationale for such action has lost its reason for existence. For the moment the procedure has been extended until the court decides whether Missouri and the other 18 states bringing this suit have standing to pursue this action.

This situation helps to show just how badly our country needs to reform its immigration laws.

The last time America enacted broad immigration reform was in 1986. As pointed out in the recent issue of "The Economist" there have been three big changes in people wanting to enter the United States.

* Most immigrants used to be Mexicans. Migrants now have more diverse nationalities and backgrounds. This increases the challenge of sending them back.

* The number of family units with children has risen. The typical migrant is no longer a single Mexican male seeking to work in America.

* The share of people claiming asylum has swelled. This complicates efforts to decide their claims quickly.

Instead of asking the Supreme Court to resolve this situation, these 19 states should ask Congress to step up and do its job.

JOHN PIEPHO, Cape Girardeau