WASHINGTON—Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and U.S. Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken expressing concern related to the vetting of foreign nationals and specifically Afghan citizens coming to the U.S. Additionally, Ranking Member Comer questioned whether individuals not eligible to come to the U.S. or bad actors may be infiltrating those with a valid resettlement claim.

Given the surge in Afghans seeking entry into the U.S., in addition to the ever-growing Border Crisis, Republicans are concerned terrorists may take advantage of any weaknesses in America’s vetting processes in order to gain entry into the U.S. Ranking Member Comer emphasized the need to help Afghans who risked their lives to aid American troops in Afghanistan while simultaneously ensuring Americans at home are protected from terrorists taking advantage of another humanitarian crisis that resulted from President Biden’s failures.

“Our country owes a moral obligation to those who put themselves at great personal risk to provide substantial assistance to coalition forces in Afghanistan. We therefore must work to ensure those individuals safe passage out of Afghanistan,” wrote Ranking Member Comer. “It is no secret that terrorists and other bad actors will always seek to exploit any and all weaknesses in border security and vetting of foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States. In the chaotic situation left in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, we are particularly concerned that terrorists and others who wish to harm the United States may seek to infiltrate the country disguised as those who provided assistance to coalition forces in Afghanistan.”

The Ranking Member is requesting a briefing and all information related to the Biden Administration’s ongoing efforts to thwart terrorists from gaining entry to the U.S. and their screening and vetting of Afghan nationals who may ultimately be resettled in the United States.

“The integrity of our immigration system is paramount. Those who are eligible for immigration benefits should receive them, while those who are not – especially those who may be inadmissible for security and related grounds – should be screened out,” concluded Ranking Member Comer.

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