House Republicans on the Oversight Committee are demanding explanations from the Biden administration regarding what they call a gross misuse of parole authority, allowing hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants into the U.S. annually. Led by Chairman James Comer and Subcommittee Chair Glenn Grothman, the committee alleges the administration is granting "unlawful categorical parole" to large numbers of inadmissible aliens, violating statutory language.
The administration defends its use of parole, which grants temporary release for "urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit," by citing precedents set by previous administrations, such as offering relief to migrants from Cuba and Vietnam and preventing the deportation of illegal immigrant family members of military veterans. However, Republicans and critics argue that the current administration's use of parole is overly broad.
One example of this broad use is the "Parole + ATD" policy, which paroled migrants into Alternatives to Detention programs. This policy was blocked earlier this year. Another instance is the "Parole with conditions" policy, implemented in May due to overcrowding ahead of the end of Title 42, which paroled migrants without court dates. This policy was also blocked by a federal judge after nearly 6,000 migrants were released. CBP defended the policy, stating that both Republican and Democratic administrations have used parole authority to address overcrowding and protect migrants and workforce safety.
In January, the administration introduced a parole policy allowing up to 30,000 nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua into the U.S. monthly, provided they meet certain conditions, such as having a sponsor and passing background checks. This policy leverages the CBP One app, which is also used to schedule port of entry appointments. Lawmakers contend these policies are excessively broad, pointing out that over a million inadmissible aliens have been paroled into the U.S. in the past two years, including those apprehended by Border Patrol and those using the CBP One app.
The lawmakers also highlight the strain on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, claiming some offices are booked through 2028 and 2029. They are seeking documents related to the number of paroled migrants, the implementation of these policies, and work authorizations granted to parolees. DHS has stated it will respond to the Congressional correspondence through official channels.
Comer criticized the administration for exacerbating the border crisis and breaking the law to admit inadmissible aliens. He emphasized the Oversight Committee's commitment to holding officials accountable. Grothman echoed this sentiment, accusing the administration of prioritizing criminal cartels over border agents and communities.
This investigation unfolds amidst a broader border security debate. Republicans attribute the ongoing migrant crisis, with over 200,000 encounters in May, to the Biden administration's "catch-and-release" policies, the halt of border wall construction, narrowed immigration enforcement priorities, and the use of parole. The administration counters that it is expanding legal migration pathways and enforcing penalties for illegal re-entry, urging Congress to provide more funding and pass comprehensive immigration reform. They also highlight a 70% drop in encounters since the end of Title 42 and the implementation of new policies, including an asylum rule.
The administration recently secured a victory when the Supreme Court dismissed a GOP-led challenge to its narrowed ICE enforcement priorities.
