Large numbers of migrants are crossing the United States border just hours before pandemic-related asylum restrictions are set to end. There are fears among migrants that new policies will make it far more difficult to enter the country. In the early days of the pandemic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a public health order to stop the spread of COVID-19. The restrictions under the order are widely known as Title 42. It permitted U.S. officials to quickly expel migrants at the border. But it carried no legal threat, leading to repeat border crossing attempts. The Biden administration has been releasing measures to replace Title 42 restrictions. They include opening processing centers outside the U.S. and screening migrants at the border. After Thursday, migrants face being banned from entering the U.S. for five years and possible criminal prosecution.