Migrants Allowed into U.S. Under Biden Program Accused of Child Sexual Assault

The Biden administration's use of humanitarian parole to bring in migrants has come under scrutiny after several individuals brought into the country under the program have been charged with violent crimes, including sexual assault on children.

The Biden administration's reliance on humanitarian parole as a strategy to address the escalating border crisis has drawn criticism, particularly in light of recent revelations that migrants granted entry under these programs have been implicated in serious crimes.

One of the most concerning cases involves a Haitian migrant who was granted parole under the program for Venezuelans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Cubans. The individual was subsequently charged with molesting a boy in Massachusetts.

Migrants Allowed into U.S. Under Biden Program Accused of Child Sexual Assault

Amid ongoing scrutiny of the humanitarian parole process, the administration released statistics showing that nearly 530,000 nationals from the four eligible countries have been granted parole through the end of August 2024. This figure includes an estimated 813,000 individuals who have scheduled appointments to enter ports of entry using the CBP One app.

The administration maintains that individuals admitted through these programs undergo thorough screening and vetting by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) prior to arrival in the United States. However, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sources have expressed concerns about the agency's inadequate resources to locate and deport the large population of individuals brought in under parole if they overstay their allotted time.

Migrants Allowed into U.S. Under Biden Program Accused of Child Sexual Assault

Despite these concerns, the administration asserts that its strategy of expanding lawful pathways while enforcing consequences for illegal entry has resulted in a sharp decline in encounters at the southern border. Border encounters dropped from 232,963 in August 2022 to 107,503 in August 2023.

Republican lawmakers have vehemently criticized the administration's use of parole, arguing that it violates the law by granting parole to millions of undocumented immigrants on a basis that is inconsistent with the legal framework. The House Republicans issued a report alleging the administration's reckless disregard for the law in its implementation of the parole programs.

Migrants Allowed into U.S. Under Biden Program Accused of Child Sexual Assault

DHS has consistently defended its use of parole, citing its effectiveness in reducing the number of migrants encountered at the southern border. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized the program's role in addressing the unprecedented migration challenges in the hemisphere.

The controversy surrounding the parole programs has intensified in recent weeks due to the influx of Haitian migrants into towns like Springfield, Ohio, where the arrival of 12-15,000 migrants has placed a significant strain on resources. Former President Donald Trump has also weighed in, pledging to end the CBP One app and various parole programs if re-elected.

Migrants Allowed into U.S. Under Biden Program Accused of Child Sexual Assault

The Biden administration faces continued pressure to provide further information and address concerns regarding the administration and oversight of migrants admitted under these programs, particularly in light of the alleged crimes committed by individuals brought into the country under these initiatives.