Austin News

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), along with several colleagues, has called on Attorney General Merrick Garland and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to terminate the parole program for Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan aliens (CHNV). The request follows reports of widespread fraud and abuse within the program.

The letter signed by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) states that the CHNV program violates federal law and lists various failures, including incentivizing illegal immigration and admitting individuals based on fraudulent applications.

"We write to you with urgent and serious concerns regarding the Cuba-Haiti-Nicaragua-Venezuela Parole Program," the Senators stated. They noted that between January 2023 and July 2024, approximately 520,000 illegal aliens entered the U.S. through this program, primarily landing in Florida. The letter also referenced a report from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services revealing severe flaws that jeopardize national security.

The Biden administration temporarily halted the CHNV Parole Program in mid-July but resumed it after implementing additional vetting requirements such as fingerprint submission for sponsors. However, the Senators argue these measures are insufficient to address the fundamental issues of fraud and illegality within the program.

The letter outlines several critical issues with the CHNV Parole Program:

- It violates statutory requirements under Section 212(d)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

- The vetting process was deficient, allowing fraudulent submissions.

- There was extensive use of fraudulent Social Security Numbers.

- The program increased national security risks due to limited diplomatic relations with some involved countries.

Additionally, they highlighted an increase in Venezuelan illegal immigration associated with Temporary Protected Status leading to more crime within U.S. borders. Notable incidents include crimes committed by members of violent gangs like Tren de Aragua.

The Senators call for immediate termination of the CHNV Parole Program, enhanced border security measures, a comprehensive investigation into its failures, and restoration of congressional oversight over future immigration policies.

"Our nation’s security and the safety of our citizens demand that we act decisively to address these critical issues," they wrote.