With the lifting of the Title 42 order, a significant influx of asylum seekers is expected to cross the border seeking refuge. This surge is likely to put a strain on local shelters and emergency services, creating a dire situation for those on the ground. Despite the urgency of the matter, Democrats have failed to address the issue, while Republicans have been calling for a solution to the border crisis for some time.
The city of San Diego has developed a toolkit to help shelter providers deal with the incoming surge, but the county is expected to take the lead in coordinating with state, federal, and local agencies and organizations while advocating for more funding. UC San Diego Health is also preparing for a possible increase in patients due to the influx of asylum seekers, and the hospital system is under a “Code Orange” alert to handle a potential strain on resources.
The immediate challenge is the strain on shelter space. The county has identified a list of unused and underused properties that could be used to build out shelter infrastructure. In the past, federal authorities have left hundreds of people on the streets when shelters reached capacity, and this is something that must be prevented.
FEMA has awarded $33 million to Catholic Charities to support migrants in need of food, shelter, and other services while awaiting immigration court proceedings. However, local nonprofits are still in the dark regarding how many migrants will be allowed to enter, as the federal government plans to restrict asylum eligibility and ramp up speedy deportations.
El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells and Supervisor Jim Desmond have both expressed concern that without federal intervention, the current crisis will escalate into a full-blown crisis that will require an extreme level of resources.
The situation at the border is a clear example of the failure of Democrats at all levels of government, from the federal government to local elected officials. Their inaction has led us to the worst possible scenario, and it is the people on the ground who are suffering the consequences of their incompetence and poor governance. Change is necessary to address this crisis.
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