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COMMENTARY OF THE DAY
By
Robert Namer
Voice Of America
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August 30, 2024

     The Homeland Security Department’s citizenship agency has put out a call for volunteers to help process applications for a fraud-plagued program that allows unauthorized migrants from some Latin American nations to skip the border and fly directly into the U.S.  Biden/Harris stupidity.

     The program has welcomed more than a half-million migrants who lack legal visas to enter the U.S. It was abruptly paused several weeks ago after an internal review found massive fraud, but the call for volunteers suggests U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is looking for a quick restart.  In the email call for volunteers, Donna Campagnolo, USCIS chief human capital officer, said the agency wants volunteers by the end of this week.  This will be a full-time, remote detail for 180 days. No prior experience is necessary,” Ms. Campagnolo wrote. “Training will be provided, and overtime may be available.”

     The email didn’t say when the program would be revived. USCIS declined to comment, saying the email “speaks for itself.” Emilio Gonzalez, who ran USCIS under President George W. Bush and who obtained the email, said it was a worrying move for a program that had to be paused because of fraud.  He said those recruited to review the applications are low-level staffers who lack the expertise to detect fraud. Indeed, the email seems to expressly forbid full-fledged immigration officers from participating.

     “This administration is intent on driving this program through regardless of the consequences. That’s what’s bothersome from a national security perspective,” Mr. Gonzalez told The Washington Times. “You’re going to tell me in what, four weeks, you figured out the massive fraud and are ready to start over again?”

     The program, colloquially known as CHNV, allows citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to enter the U.S. on “parole,” a quasi-legal status, without a visa. They are supposed to have financial sponsors in the U.S. to vouch for them before arriving at American airports.  Officials say the administration is reducing pressure on the border by allowing as many as 30,000 people a month to enter. Republicans in Congress say the program is on a legally questionable footing and still means illegal immigrants are entering en masse, putting pressure on communities that end up housing and schooling and providing emergency medical care.

     USCIS reviews the financial support applications, and Customs and Border Protection approves airport entry.  Homeland Security confirmed this month that it had suspended the program after an internal review found striking indications of fraud in applicants for financial sponsors.  

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