US-Mexico border braces for midnight lifting of Title 42 migrant restrictions

Border officials expect increase of people trying to cross into US as measure ostensibly to curb Covid-19 lapses

As the US was set to lift tough restrictions at the US-Mexico border, known as Title 42, on Thursday night, migrants raced to enter the US before pandemic-related asylum limitations are lifted in a shift that threatens to put a historic strain on the nation's beleaguered immigration system.

The major policy shift comes as tens of thousands are stuck in harsh conditions in northern Mexico or risk life and liberty to enter America unlawfully, straining local communities and intensifying political divisions.