White House defends border action 

(Washington, DC)  --  The White House says it's preparing for the end of what's known as Title 42 next week.  The policy, which ends Wednesday, gives the government authority to turn away immigrants seeking asylum from the U.S.-Mexico border.  White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre cited a plan released by DHS this week to mitigate the expected influx of migrants once the rule expires.  Jean-Pierre slammed Republicans for not working with Democrats to pass President Biden's comprehensive immigration reform plan.  Republicans have criticized the administration for its mishandling of the border.