Will Biden actually do his job for once?
Republicans are urging the Biden administration to bolster security measures at the northern border in response to Canada’s recent decision to issue visas to Gazans who might have connections to Hamas. The Canadian government’s new policy includes issuing “Refugee Travel Documents” to Gazans, which are accepted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and can facilitate entry into the United States.
Republican senators have voiced concerns that this policy could lead to gaps in security. They argue that the lack of reliable background checks and records for individuals from the Palestinian Territories raises the risk of dangerous individuals exploiting these policies to enter Canada, obtain new identification, and subsequently cross into the U.S. They emphasize that the U.S. should not compromise on screenings and vetting for anyone entering through other countries, regardless of Canada’s immigration practices.
Despite claims by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that all individuals entering the U.S., whether legally or illegally, are thoroughly vetted, reports from the DHS Office of Inspector General suggest otherwise. With over 1,000 known or suspected terrorists apprehended at the U.S.-Canada border since fiscal year 2021, there is significant apprehension about the potential for dangerous individuals exploiting the porous border, given Hamas’s deep influence in Gazan society.
In response to these concerns, Republican senators have demanded detailed information from Secretary Mayorkas about Palestinians entering the U.S. and the administration’s plans to address the influx of individuals linked to terror. Under President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, there has been an unprecedented number of dangerous individuals apprehensions in U.S. history, with a significant portion occurring at the northern border.
The Canadian government recently expanded its issuance of temporary resident visas to Palestinians in Gaza claiming familial connections to Canadian citizens or residents. Given that Hamas, which won the majority of Palestinian votes in 2006 and controls the Gaza Strip, is recognized by the U.S. State Department as a foreign terror organization, this policy is particularly troubling. Hamas has been responsible for numerous attacks, including the October 7 attack on Israel that resulted in over 1,100 civilian deaths and ongoing hostage situations.
The surge in anti-Semitic incidents and pro-Hamas demonstrations in the U.S. has heightened fears. In response, Republican senators, including Tom Cotton and Marco Rubio, have called for immediate actions to address these threats, such as canceling visas for Hamas supporters and removing them from the U.S. The Biden administration’s response has been criticized for its lack of action, including blocking measures to deport pro-Hamas individuals.
Additionally, there have been calls from 23 attorneys general to defund a UN agency allegedly supporting Hamas, and House leaders, led by Rep. Mark Green, have demanded information about illegal immigrants with potential terror ties. The House Judiciary Committee has also reported on the release of known or suspected individualsx into the U.S., highlighting the urgent need for heightened border security measures.