From WNYC Studios, it's Brian Lair, a daily politics podcast. It's Friday, April 29th.

You know how Democrats and Republicans tend to take different positions when it comes to COVID

protection rules.

You know, in general, Democrats are in favor of more rules, things like vaccine mandates for indoor events and mask mandates on public transportation, while Republicans less so.

Well, here's one issue where they flip.

An issue that could matter to the midterm elections.

It's a rule known as Title 42.

Some of you know about this.

It's an emergency measure for the pandemic that makes it easier to deport people

entering the United States illegally at the southern border.

President Trump imposed it, no surprise.

President Biden has kept it, but he plans to end Title 42 next month.

It's been horrible for so many migrants who were thrust into really bad conditions in Mexico rather than wait in this country while their asylum cases are heard, as happened with more of them before the pandemic.

But as the Biden administration tries to end pandemic restrictions in general and encourage

Americans to manage their risks individually, this is consistent.

Problem is, the number of migrants crossing over has been increasing, and public opinion

polls show it's a real voting issue for Republicans and some independents. Republicans, of course,

want to keep Title 42, anything to make it easier to kick migrants out, a rare case of the GOP

wanting tighter COVID rules than the Dems.

Politico reported this week that many Democrats in swing districts who are really worried about keeping their seats and keeping their House majority

want the White House to slow down and keep Title 42, at least for a while longer.

Migration will also be one of the issues in June at the summit of the Americas taking

...