In a recent report, it has been revealed that the Biden administration has made significant changes to the vetting process for Chinese nationals who illegally cross the US-Mexico border. According to an April 2023 email obtained by the Daily Caller, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents were instructed to reduce the number of interview questions from 40 to only five.
This change comes after a record-setting year of encounters with individuals on terror watchlists. The number of terror watchlist suspects encountered has risen by a staggering 7,000 percent. It is important to note that these numbers are alarming, given the potential national security implications.
Furthermore, the email states that the number of Chinese nationals crossing illegally at the border has increased by 1,000 percent in the past year. The vetting process, which used to involve a half-day of interrogation, has been condensed into a brief 10-minute interview with just five questions. This policy shift has led to the release of thousands of Chinese nationals who have entered the country illegally.
Of particular concern is the fact that a significant percentage of those crossing the border are single, military-aged men. It is unknown whether they are here by their own accord or under orders from the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) or the People's Republic of China (PRC). While the intelligence communities have yet to determine the exact number, it is imperative to recognize the potential national security risks associated with this situation.
When addressed about the concerning state of the border, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has referred to it as a 'challenge' that they have been tackling vigorously. However, many critics argue that it is, in fact, a crisis and question why the administration hesitates to acknowledge it as such.
The Biden administration, akin to other officials, has downplayed the severity of the border situation, initially denying any problem before shifting their stance to claiming the border is under control while downplaying their responsibility for the current state of affairs. This approach, critics argue, lacks transparency and fails to address the grave national security concerns facing the nation.
As discussions surrounding the border crisis continue, it remains crucial to recognize the potential implications for national security. While economic policies can be reversed, the impact of inadequate border security and the presence of individuals with questionable backgrounds can have long-lasting implications that transcend mere policy changes.
