Twenty-five Republican governors are expressing their concerns regarding a plan implemented by the Biden-Harris administration.
They are seeking information regarding the number of illegal foreign nationals that have been flown into their states. These governors assert that this plan is placing a burden on their residents and compromising the safety of their respective states.
Citizens from various countries have been brought in through parole programs established by U.S. Department of Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Among the numerous programs, the governors specifically raised concerns about the CHNV parole program. This particular program expedites the entry of individuals from Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who were previously deemed inadmissible.
The 25 governors penned a letter to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, expressing their concerns about the CHNV parole program and its adverse effects on their communities.
They were particularly perplexed by the lack of communication regarding important details such as arrival times, duration of residency, legal status, and location.
Local officials and the general public are experiencing significant confusion and alarm due to the influx of migrants and the lack of communication.
Without clear direction from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), law enforcement and municipal leaders are forced to rely on news reports and social media posts to determine the size and location of incoming migrant populations.
This reliance on unofficial sources makes it difficult for them to assess the potential impact on already limited government services, including local public schools.
Dumping migrants into our cities and small towns without any prior notice has caused a sense of mistrust and fear among the public. Moreover, this situation puts the migrants themselves at risk of physical harm.
As the communities in which they now reside initially met them with skepticism, the migrants have grown apprehensive about interacting with the public. This isolation has created an environment where they are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
The governors requested the information to ensure the best protection for illegal foreign nationals who may be targeted by cartel operatives or are already victims of human smuggling and trafficking. They also aim to protect their own citizens.
The lack of information regarding the sponsors of migrants and their whereabouts and employment status severely restricts the ability of state and local law enforcement to investigate potential cases of exploitation and human trafficking. This limitation hinders their efforts to protect migrants and prevent them from becoming victims of such crimes.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General has issued several reports revealing the administration’s consistent failure to thoroughly screen and adequately monitor illegal foreign nationals.
These reports have raised significant concerns about the lack of proper vetting and identification for these individuals. In response to these findings, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has demanded answers regarding the number of illegal foreign nationals being transported and housed in airports, citing potential terrorist threats.
According to the governors, a significant number of undocumented foreign nationals have been arriving in their states without any prior notice or resources. They believe that these individuals may require state and local services.
Therefore, the governors are requesting the administration to provide them with comprehensive information regarding the location and status of the migrants being directed to their communities.
Governors demanding answers include Kay Ivey of Alabama, Mike Dunleavy of Alaska, Sarah Sanders of Arkansas, Ron DeSantis of Florida, Brian Kemp of Georgia, Brad Little of Idaho, Eric Holcomb of Indiana, Kim Reynolds of Iowa, Jeff Landry of Louisiana, Tate Reeves of Mississippi, Mike Parson of Missouri, Greg Gianforte of Montana, Jim Pillen of Nebraska, Joe Lombardo of Nevada, Chris Sununu of New Hampshire, Doug Burgum of North Dakota, Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, Henry McMaster of South Carolina, Kristi Noem of South Dakota, Bill Lee of Tennessee, Greg Abbott of Texas, Spencer Cox of Utah, Glenn Youngkin of Virginia, Jim Justice of West Virginia, and Mark Gordon of Wyoming.