The Biden administration has decided to restart an immigration program that allows migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the United States. This program, which was temporarily suspended earlier this month due to fraud concerns, will now include additional vetting of the financial sponsors based in the U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security conducted an internal review and found no widespread fraud among sponsors. The agency stated that the new procedures for sponsors, along with the existing rigorous vetting of potential beneficiaries, will enhance the integrity of the processes and prevent exploitation of beneficiaries.
The program, initiated in January 2023, is a key component of the Biden administration's immigration policies. It aims to provide legal pathways for entry while imposing restrictions on asylum for those who cross the border illegally.
Under this program, up to 30,000 individuals from the four countries are accepted each month for two years, with eligibility for work authorization. To qualify, migrants must have a U.S.-based financial sponsor who vouches for them and must fly into an American airport at their own expense.
Republicans have criticized the program as a way to bypass immigration laws. The Department of Homeland Security announced that the additional vetting will involve scrutinizing the financial records and criminal backgrounds of sponsors. Sponsors will now be required to submit fingerprints, and measures will be strengthened to identify fraudulent sponsors.
While some cases of fraud were identified, the agency emphasized that the majority of investigated cases had reasonable explanations. Homeland Security confirmed that the migrants themselves undergo thorough screening and vetting processes before entering the U.S.
Concerns about sponsors seeking financial gain were raised early on, with reports of individuals using fake Social Security numbers. Despite these challenges, more than 520,000 people from the four countries have arrived in the U.S. since the program's inception.
Arrests for illegal crossings have significantly decreased among the four nationalities, indicating a shift in migration patterns. The program's resumption underscores the administration's commitment to managing immigration flows while ensuring the integrity of the process.
