NEW YORK, United States (CMC) — The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), an umbrella policy and advocacy organisation that represents over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups throughout New York, on Monday denounced an injunction by the United States Supreme Court granting an appeal to temporarily pause termination of a public health measure to block Caribbean and other migrants from seeking asylum in the US.

The measure, known as Title 42, was first invoked by the Donald Trump Administration during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued by the Joe Biden Administration.

US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts on Monday granted the emergency appeal by 19 states, led by Republicans, to temporarily pause termination of Title 42. A trial judge had ordered that Title 42 be terminated on December 21.

“The Supreme Court’s decision to pause termination of Title 42 is a clear distortion of justice for those seeking asylum in our country. Time and again, it has been proven that Title 42 has been a xenophobic policy operating under the guise of public health,” NYIC’s Executive Director Murad Awawdeh told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

“For the Supreme Court to interfere with ending Title 42 is wholly immoral, as they further legitimise a racist policy that has caused irreparable harm to thousands of people and families seeking freedom and safety in our country.

“It is critical at this moment that our leaders in the White House and Congress renew their commitment to protect asylum seekers by expanding meaningful protections without delay,” Awawdeh continued.

The order by Chief Justice Roberts, called administrative stay, is temporary, allowing the US highest court more time to consider whether to continue Title 42.

In early 2020, the Trump Administration instituted the measure, stating that it was necessary amid the COVID-19 pandemic. But critics countered that the measure was a tactic to deport migrants, including Haitians and Venezuelans.

Since Title 42 was invoked more than 2.3 million migrants have been deported from the United States, according to immigration advocates.

The US Department of Homeland Security said in a statement on Monday that it will comply with the US Supreme Court’s order.