DHS chief asked about reports of giving amnesty to asylum seekers
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is under fire for a controversial report that reveals hundreds of thousands of noncitizen asylum seekers had their cases closed without a ruling, effectively creating a form of “mass amnesty.”
Senator Kevin Cramer, a Republican from North Dakota, expressed his concerns in a letter to Mayorkas and Attorney General Merrick Garland, demanding transparency and accountability regarding the administration’s approach to immigration and border security. Cramer emphasized the urgency of addressing the unacceptable situation at the southern border with immediate and effective solutions.
The data from a report by Syracuse University’s Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) disclosed that over 350,000 asylum cases since 2022 were closed by the administration if the individuals involved did not have a prior criminal record. The New York Post first highlighted this “mass amnesty” action earlier this month.
Joining Senator Cramer, 20 other Republican senators signed the letter, seeking clarification from Biden officials on the accuracy of the report. The letter referenced the Post article and questioned the administration on the details of the closure of these asylum cases.
Former Acting ICE Director Tom Homan responded to the report on “Fox & Friends First,” criticizing the lack of action to stem the flow of migrants. Homan predicted that executive actions in this regard would only harm the American legal system.
Cramer condemned the administration’s move, denouncing it as an allowance for individuals to stay in the U.S. indefinitely without undergoing the necessary legal procedures for their asylum claims. He asserted that the “mass amnesty” decision weakens the entire immigration system and undermines those seeking legal pathways to enter the country.
The senator further interrogated the Biden administration on how many of the closed cases involved migrants who crossed the border illegally since President Biden took office on January 20, 2021. Cramer also raised concerns about potential incentives for illegal immigration due to these case dismissals.
The ongoing situation at the southern border has placed President Biden under significant scrutiny. Critics argue that vulnerabilities in border security pose a threat to national safety and the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
In the face of mounting pressure and demands for accountability, the Department of Homeland Security and other relevant authorities must address these critical issues promptly and transparently. The future of immigration policy and border security hinges on the administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the nation’s borders.
