Republicans call for enhanced northern border security as Gazans flock to Canada
They also requested Mayorkas provide them with information about Palestinians entering the country.
By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor
Published: August 15, 2024 11:00pm
Republicans are calling on the Biden administration to increase security at the northern border after the Canadian government began issuing visas to Gazans who may be connected to the terrorist organization Hamas.
The Canadian government’s program includes giving Gazans a “Refugee Travel Document,” which replaces their passport and is accepted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, enabling them to enter the U.S.
“However, with little to no reliable records or background checks of these individuals from the Palestinian Territories, these policies unlock opportunities for individuals with ties to terrorist groups to enter Canada, receive new forms of identification, and then try to enter the U.S. along the porous north border,” the Republican senators said. “Irrespective of Canada’s immigration policies, the U.S. should not waive common-sense terrorist screening and vetting for any individual entering the U.S. through other countries.”
While Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has claimed everyone entering the country, legally or illegally, is vetted, DHS Office of Inspector General reports have found the opposite to be true, The Center Square reported.
Because of the record number of known or suspected terrorists who’ve been apprehended at the U.S.-Canada border, over 1,000 since fiscal 2021, “the possibility of terrorists crossing the U.S.-Canada border is deeply concerning given the deep penetration of Gazan society by Hamas,” the senators said. “It would be irresponsible for the U.S. to not take necessary heightened precautions when foreigners attempt to enter the United States.”
https://justthenews.com/nation/state...s-flock-canada
