The Biden-Harris parole initiative has dramatically increased unauthorized border crossings, raising questions about immigration reform and national security.
At a Glance
- Over 14 million illegal crossers reported under Biden-Harris, including 3 million from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
- 2,496,080 crossers from CHNV countries reported from 2021-2024.
- Republicans in Congress cite these numbers as grounds for impeaching DHS Secretary Mayorkas.
- Cuba and Nicaragua face U.S. State Department criticism for religious freedom violations.
Rising Numbers
The Biden-Harris administration has overseen an increase of over 14 million illegal border crossings, with more than 3 million from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV). The Department of Homeland Security’s parole initiative, introduced by Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, is highlighted as a significant contributor. DHS data from fiscal years 2021 to 2024 shows 2,496,080 illegal entrants from CHNV countries.
Additionally, 531,000 individuals were admitted under the CHNV parole program, raising the total to over 3 million. This figure excludes those who eluded capture, were freed through other programs, or deported. These escalating numbers have intensified debates over U.S. immigration reform.
Legal and Political Challenges
Secretary Mayorkas maintains that the parole programs align with legal frameworks, but federal court rulings have cast doubt. Republican legislators are pushing for his impeachment over these policies. The parole programs allegedly “endanger our national security,” a sentiment echoed by certain U.S. senators. With Cuba and Nicaragua classified by the State Department as Countries of Particular Concern for violating religious freedoms, the situation becomes more complex.
Cuba faces additional scrutiny for being labeled a State Sponsor of Terrorism. The introduction of these policies has brought about a critical reassessment of current immigration strategies, urging policymakers to contemplate more effective solutions for managing migration complexities.
Impact and Implications
Under Biden-Harris, over 786,000 Cuban illegal crossers create a historic peak. Concurrently, nearly 700,000 Haitian migrants strain local services with rising crime rates and associated costs. 536,000 Nicaraguan migrants employ strategies resembling weaponized migration. Venezuela reports nearly one million migrants, some linked to organized crime entities like the Tren De Aragua gang.
The towering figure of over 3 million CHNV entrants surpasses the populations of 17 U.S. states, equating to more than 67 U.S. Army Corps. This situation reinforces calls for comprehensive border security and immigration reform to preserve national security and public safety. The parole program’s repercussions continue to fuel heated discourse among policymakers and citizens alike.
