Rep. Mark Green subpoenas DHS Secretary Mayorkas over Afghan evacuee screening.
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) Subpoenas Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) issued a subpoena to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday over documents related to the screening of the tens of thousands of Afghans the Biden administration brought into the U.S. during the August 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Investigation into Afghan Screening and Vetting
Green and other House lawmakers have been investigating how the Biden administration screened the more than 76,000 Afghans flown into the U.S. for resettlement as the military left Afghanistan and the Taliban took over. According to Green, Mayorkas has not provided all of the documents requested, including DHS communications on vetting the evacuees, documents which were requested 160 days ago.
“In the wake of the Biden administration’s catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan, the country has once again become a breeding ground for foreign terrorist organizations under Taliban rule, and the Committee is still seeking answers on how the Biden administration vetted those entering the United States following the withdrawal,” Green’s office said in a press release.
Green’s subpoena stipulates that Mayorkas is to appear before the committee on November 7 at the Ford House Office Building in Washington, D.C., at 12:00 p.m.
“On October 20, 2023, the Department provided a partial production containing limited data on Afghan evacuees. Although the production contained 1,601 pages, it is wholly inadequate. For example, 150 pages were either wholly redacted, devoid of content, or illegible. Further, many of the remaining pages appear to be nothing more than scanned printouts from spreadsheets of data that were provided in a format that rendered them indecipherable,” Green wrote in a letter to Mayorkas.
Concerns and Controversies
The lawmakers’ investigation into the screening of the evacuees comes after stories that some of the Afghans brought into the U.S. faced charges of attempted rape of a minor and other physical abuse in addition to dozens being flagged for potential terror ties.
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“While the produced documents provide some basic information regarding Afghan evacuees, they fall well short of what was requested by the Committee. For example, the Department failed to produce a single e-mail or other communication from Department employees related to the withdrawal from Afghanistan or Customs and Border Protection’s screening, vetting, or inspection of Afghan evacuees at U.S. ports of entry,” Green added in his letter.
Last year, the Inspector General for DHS released a scathing report that said that the agency “may have admitted or paroled individuals into the United States who pose a risk to national security and the safety of local communities.”
At least two Afghan evacuees were shipped out of the U.S. after they were initially let in, while State Department officials have also investigated adult male Afghan evacuees who had child “brides” with them at processing centers in the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates. U.S. military bases that housed the evacuees incurred millions of dollars in damages, making some facilities unusable for U.S. soldiers.
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Why are lawmakers like Chairman Green pushing for transparency and accountability from the Biden administration in regards to the screening process for Afghan evacuees, and what information do they believe should be disclosed to the American people
Substance abuse, ties to extremist groups, and other criminal activities. These incidents have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the screening and vetting process implemented by the Biden administration.
Some critics argue that the hasty evacuation and subsequent resettlement of tens of thousands of Afghans without thorough background checks have put national security at risk. They point to the potential for individuals with ties to terrorist organizations to enter the country undetected through the screening process.
In response to these concerns, Green and other lawmakers have been pushing for transparency and accountability from the Biden administration. They believe that the American people deserve to know the extent of the screening process and whether any potential threats have been overlooked.
Mayorkas’ Response
Mayorkas has not yet responded to the subpoena issued by Chairman Green. However, in a statement issued earlier this month, he defended the administration’s efforts to vet the Afghan evacuees.
“Our government provided humanitarian aid and expedited evacuations, ensuring the safety and security of American citizens and our Afghan partners,” Mayorkas said. “We also screened and vetted the tens of thousands of individuals who were evacuated to the United States.”
He further emphasized that the screening process involved multiple layers of security checks, including biometric and biographical information. He reassured the public that the Department of Homeland Security takes its responsibility to protect the United States and its citizens very seriously.
Implications of the Subpoena
The subpoena issued by Chairman Green reflects the growing concerns and controversies surrounding the screening and vetting process for Afghan evacuees. It highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and a comprehensive review of the procedures implemented by the Biden administration.
If Mayorkas complies with the subpoena and appears before the House Homeland Security Committee, it will provide an opportunity for lawmakers to obtain vital information and clarify any discrepancies or shortcomings in the screening process.
On the other hand, if Mayorkas refuses to comply with the subpoena or fails to provide satisfactory answers, it could escalate the tension between the Biden administration and House Republicans. It may also further erode public trust in the administration’s ability to handle national security matters effectively.
Conclusion
The subpoena issued by House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas reflects the ongoing concerns and controversies surrounding the screening and vetting process for Afghan evacuees. The investigation aims to shed light on whether the Biden administration effectively vetted the tens of thousands of individuals evacuated from Afghanistan and brought into the United States.
The subpoena underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and a thorough review of the screening procedures. It remains to be seen how Mayorkas will respond and whether his appearance before the committee will provide the answers and reassurances sought by lawmakers and the American public.
As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial to strike a balance between humanitarian efforts and national security concerns. Ensuring the safety and well-being of both American citizens and Afghan refugees should be prioritized in the aftermath of the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
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