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According to a Washington Times report, the Biden administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) granted protected status to thousands of Afghan nationals despite potential terrorism-related concerns.
This move has sparked criticism from Republicans and former officials who argue it compromises national security. According to a draft report reviewed by Fox News, DHS issued nearly 7,000 exemptions in fiscal year 2024 to individuals who might otherwise be ineligible for U.S. entry due to terrorism-related grounds. Most of these exemptions were for refugees, with a significant number granted to Afghan nationals. Critics argue that such broad use of exemptions could allow individuals with ties to terrorist organizations to enter the country.
The exemptions were made under the authority of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the DHS secretary to waive certain inadmissibility criteria. DHS stated that all applicants underwent rigorous security vetting and that the exemptions were granted case-by-case after thorough review.
However, some lawmakers and former officials remain skeptical. They point to instances where individuals admitted under similar programs were later found to have connections to terrorist activities. These concerns have led to calls for increased oversight and stricter vetting procedures for individuals seeking entry into the U.S. under such exemptions.
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