Title 42, which was put into effect by former President Donald Trump in March of 2020 comes to an end on Wednesday December 21st. As the date nears, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced more migrants might be released into the U.S.

Lawmakers familiar with the announcement say border officials estimate nearly 50,000 migrants are walking to cross into the country. Foreign Desk News reports that in a detailed seven-page assessment, “the department reported faster processing for migrants in custody at the border, more temporary dentition tents, staffing surges, and increased criminal prosecutions of smugglers, noting that they are working on a plan that will be announced in spring.”

“The seven-page document included no structural changes amid the large numbers of migrants entering the country, with more expected following the end of Title 42 authority” adds FDN. A federal judge in Washington ordered Title 42 to end in late December, but Republican-led states asked an appeals court to keep the law in place. The Biden administration has challenged some aspects of the ruling.

Lawmakers and administration officials say they expect the first week to be chaotic, given the numerous issues regarding migrant processing. In the latest assessment, Customs and Border Protection said government agencies have “been managing levels well beyond the capacity for which their infrastructure was designed and resourced, meaning additional increases will create further pressure and potential overcrowding in specific locations along the border.”

According to the DHS, single adults and families with young children may be released into communities with instructions to appear in immigration court with help of non-government groups or financial sponsors.

Foreign Desk News reports:

The department did not indicate how many migrants may cross into the homeland when Title 42 ends, but earlier this year, officials expected as many as 18,000 a day. In May, border officials stopped migrants an average of 7,800 times a day.

At the end of the fiscal year in late September, migrants were stopped 2.38 million times, going up from 1.73 million in 2021, with the annual total surpassing 12 million for the first time.