Statement From Secretary Mayorkas Regarding the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California Ruling on the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Rule

WASHINGTON - Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas released the following statement regarding the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California Ruling on the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Rule:

"We strongly disagree with today’s ruling and are confident that the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule is lawful. The Department of Justice has said it will quickly appeal this decision and seek a stay pending appeal. To be clear, because the district court temporarily stayed its decision, today’s ruling does not change anything immediately.  It does not limit our ability to deliver consequences for unlawful entry. Do not believe the lies of smugglers. Those who fail to use one of the many lawful pathways we have expanded will be presumed ineligible for asylum and, if they do not have a basis to remain, will be subject to prompt removal, a minimum five-year bar on admission, and potential criminal prosecution for unlawful reentry. We encourage migrants to ignore the lies of smugglers and use lawful, safe, and orderly pathways that have been expanded under the Biden Administration.”