Senators Push Biden-Harris to End Immigration Program Tied to Crime Surge

Senator Ted Cruz leads a group of lawmakers urging the Biden-Harris administration to terminate an immigration program allegedly linked to serious crimes, including rape and murder.

At a Glance

Senators demand immediate end to CHNV Parole Program, citing public safety concerns
Program accused of enabling trafficking and violent crimes
DHS temporarily halted program due to fraud, but restarted with new requirements
Critics argue program violates immigration law and poses national security risks
Administration defends program, claiming it reduces border encounters

Senators Call for Termination of Controversial Immigration Program

A group of U.S. senators, spearheaded by Ted Cruz (R-Texas), is pressing the Biden-Harris administration to immediately shut down the CHNV Parole Program. In a letter addressed to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the senators describe the program as “ineffective, unlawful, and hazardous,” citing its alleged connection to serious crimes.

“There have been many instances of crimes, such as sexual assault, rape, and murder committed by CHNV participants.” – The Dailywire

The CHNV Parole Program, which allows 30,000 individuals per month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. with a two-year work permit, has come under intense scrutiny. Critics argue that the program violates Section 212(d)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which only permits parole on a case-by-case basis for significant public benefit or urgent humanitarian need.

.@MaryMargOlohan for the @realDailyWire: EXCLUSIVE: Senators Urge Biden-Harris Admin to “Immediately” End Immigration Program Enabling Rape, Murder, Trafficking. https://t.co/1gJflFPybW

— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) September 10, 2024

Fraud and Security Concerns

An internal Homeland Security report uncovered significant fraud within the program, including fake phone numbers, addresses, and coordinated exploitation attempts. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) temporarily paused the program in mid-July after discovering sponsors were lying about their relationships with immigrants. However, the program was restarted after less than six weeks with new sponsor requirements.

The senators argue that the program poses a national security risk due to limited diplomatic relations with Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Haiti’s lack of a functional government. They also claim that the program is linked to a rise in crime, including violent Venezuelan gangs involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and assaults.

Administration’s Defense and Public Response

Despite the criticism, the Biden-Harris administration defends the program, stating that it has reduced southwest border encounters with these nationalities by more than 99% and includes thorough vetting of beneficiaries and sponsors. The Democratic Party supports the program as a plan for expanding legal immigration and deterring illegal immigration.

The debate over the CHNV Parole Program reflects the broader national conversation on immigration policy. A recent poll showed that 53% of respondents trust former President Trump over Vice President Harris on immigration policy, highlighting the polarized nature of the issue.

As the controversy continues, the senators are calling for swift action to address what they perceive as a threat to public safety and national security. The outcome of this push to end the CHNV Parole Program could have significant implications for U.S. immigration policy and the ongoing debate over border security.