Fox News Digital reported that the Biden administration's parole travel program for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela has been temporarily halted due to fraud in sponsor applications.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stopped issuing advance travel authorizations for the program after finding significant fraud in sponsor applications.
An internal report uncovered that Social Security numbers and ZIP codes were being repeatedly used by serial sponsors, raising concerns about the integrity of the program. DHS is now reviewing sponsor applications and plans to restart processing with improved safeguards. The temporary pause has led to increased calls from conservatives to permanently end the program.
The parole travel program, introduced in early 2023, allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. each month if they meet certain conditions. Eligible migrants can enter legally, obtain work permits, and live in the U.S. for two years, provided they arrange their own travel. Despite undergoing biographic and biometric vetting, the program's sponsor application process has come under scrutiny.
DHS's internal report found that 100,948 forms were filled out by 3,218 serial sponsors using the same Social Security numbers and ZIP codes multiple times. This discovery has prompted DHS to pause new travel authorizations while it reviews the applications for fraud. DHS has assured that there are mechanisms in place to detect and prevent such abuses in immigration processes.
Conservatives have long criticized the parole travel program, arguing that it abuses parole authority. Following the fraud revelations, calls for the program's permanent shutdown have intensified. Speaker Mike Johnson and Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith are among those urging for its termination, citing it as evidence of a failed border policy.
Rep. Eric Burlison echoed these sentiments, calling for the deportation of all migrants who entered through the program. In contrast, DHS maintains that the screening and vetting of beneficiaries have not raised concerns, focusing instead on the issues with sponsor applications. DHS has committed to investigating fraud and holding those responsible accountable.
A coalition of Republican states filed a lawsuit against the program, which was dismissed by a district judge earlier this year. The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) shared parts of the internal report with Fox News Digital, further fueling conservative criticism. House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green has also weighed in, stating that the report supports their warnings about the program's legality and vetting process.
Gene Hamilton of the American First Legal Foundation criticized the program, describing it as a violation of immigration laws and a recipe for fraud. He called for the program to be shut down permanently, arguing that the Biden administration knew the risks but proceeded anyway. The White House has responded by emphasizing the need to investigate any abuse of lawful processes thoroughly.
DHS spokesperson stated:
Out of an abundance of caution, DHS has temporarily paused the issuance of advanced travel authorizations for new beneficiaries while it undertakes a review of supporter applications. DHS will restart application processing as quickly as possible, with appropriate safeguards.
DHS plans to resume processing applications after implementing appropriate safeguards to prevent future fraud. The pause aims to ensure the integrity of the program and maintain public trust in immigration processes. Meanwhile, the White House has reiterated its commitment to holding accountable individuals who commit fraud.
The program's temporary halt highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policies in the U.S. While conservatives push for stricter measures, the Biden administration continues to defend its approach, emphasizing the need for lawful and orderly migration. The outcome of DHS's review and subsequent actions will likely shape the future of the parole travel program.
In conclusion, the temporary pause of the Biden-era parole travel program due to fraud in sponsor applications has intensified calls from conservatives for its permanent shutdown. DHS is currently reviewing applications and plans to restart processing with enhanced safeguards. The program, which allows migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. under certain conditions, has faced criticism for allegedly abusing parole authority.
