Trump considering labeling migrants a measles, tuberculosis risk: WSJ
What's the story
The Donald Trump administration is reportedly considering a move to turn away asylum seekers based on the possibility that they can bring tuberculosis or measles into the United States.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the strategy is aimed at dissuading migrants at the United States's southern border.
To back their claims, the administration is now actively looking for evidence of disease threats from migrants.
Policy revival
Revival of pandemic policy and health assessments underway
Officials told WSJ that The Trump administration is looking at reinstating a policy used during the pandemic under Title 42, a US emergency health law.
They belive that this law could potentially override existing laws allowing migrants to seek humanitarian protection.
The report also claimed that the White House has identified tuberculosis and measles as key disease threats that could justify invoking Title 42.
Border assessments
Health assessments and disease outbreaks
To assess the situation, Public Health Service officers from the US Health and Human Services Department are being sent to the border for evaluation.
Kansas is currently dealing with a tuberculosis outbreak, while measles cases have been reported in Texas and other border states.
However, no confirmed link between these cases and the migrant situation at the border has been established yet.
Legal battles
Legal challenges to Trump's immigration policies
On his first day in office, President Trump had signed an executive order banning asylum requests, citing an "invasion" at the southern borders.
His administration is now looking into alternative immigration policies in case this order is struck down by the courts.
The American Civil Liberties Union and other human rights groups have filed legal action against Trump's executive order.
Nominee's role
Health secretary nominee's role in potential health measures
If confirmed by the Senate, Trump's nominee for health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., would have to approve any health-emergency measures related to measles or tuberculosis.
Kennedy had previously voiced skepticism over vaccine safety but expressed support for the measles vaccine during his Senate confirmation meeting last week.
He needs 51 votes to become the next HHS secretary, who is in charge of the US Department of Health and Human Services and its more than $3 trillion healthcare spending.