US Resumes Immigration Program with Enhanced Sponsor Vetting for Four Countries

The Biden administration is restarting an immigration program aimed at migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. This decision follows a recent suspension due to concerns over fraud.

What is Vetting in Immigration?

Vetting in immigration involves a thorough review process for individuals travelling to the United States from abroad. Before departure, travellers undergo vetting by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry, CBP inspects applicants and makes the final decision on their admission into the country.

Enhanced Vetting for Financial Sponsors

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had paused the program earlier this month to address fraud concerns. An internal review revealed no widespread fraud among financial sponsors. However, the program will now include additional vetting procedures.

DHS stated, “The new procedures for supporters strengthen the integrity of these processes and protect against exploitation of beneficiaries.” The enhanced vetting will involve:

• Increased Scrutiny: More detailed examination of financial records and criminal backgrounds of U.S.-based sponsors.
• Fingerprint Requirements: Sponsors must now submit fingerprints.
• Fraud Detection: Measures to identify fraudulent sponsors and multiple applications.

Program Details

Launched in January 2023, this program is a key component of the Biden administration’s immigration policies. It aims to:

• Facilitate Legal Entry: Allow up to 30,000 migrants per month from the four countries.
• Offer Work Authorization: Eligible migrants can work in the U.S.
• Financial Sponsorship: Migrants need a U.S. sponsor and must fly into American airports, avoiding illegal border crossings.

The policy is designed to address high numbers of migrants from these countries, which often refuse to accept deportees. It also includes agreements with Mexico to take back individuals who cross the U.S. border illegally.

Also Read: USCIS Opens Path to Citizenship for Over 550,000 Undocumented Individuals

Criticism and Response

The program has faced criticism from Republicans, who argue it circumvents immigration laws. Concerns were amplified when the program was temporarily suspended. Critics pointed to issues such as:

• Fraudulent Claims: Reports of sponsors using fake Social Security numbers.
• Lack of Transparency: Disputed internal reports and high numbers of filings by a small group of sponsors.

Despite these concerns, DHS clarified that most fraud cases were due to minor errors, not intentional deception. The agency confirmed that migrants under this program have been thoroughly screened.

Also Read: H-1B, Green Card Fee Hike Proposal Stuck in White House Limbo

Impact and Current Status

Since its inception, the program has facilitated the arrival of over 520,000 people from the four countries. The program’s impact on illegal crossings has been significant:

• Cubans: Arrests dropped from over 42,000 in November 2022 to 5,065 in the first half of this year.
• Haitians: Arrests decreased from nearly 18,000 in September 2021 to 304 in the first six months of this year.

The Biden administration’s decision to resume the program with enhanced vetting aims to address fraud concerns while continuing to provide a legal pathway for migrants.