(Washington, D.C.) – The African American Mayors Association supports President Biden’s decision to temporarily send 1,500 active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to assist with a surge of migrants as the Title 42 public health measure to expel asylum seekers expires next week.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the troops will not be involved in law enforcement but will be mostly focused on data entry, warehouse support, monitoring and administrative tasks so border officials are able to focus more on processing claims.

“We think this was a sound decision as troops will be able to assist in processing migrants in a timely and orderly manner,” said AAMA President and Mt. Vernon, NY Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard. “Moving forward, we support an expedited and efficient process with regard to funding for the long-term care of migrants in the cities in which they will eventually reside.”