Biden Administration Halts Permits Amid Sponsor Fraud Concerns

The Biden administration has temporarily suspended permits for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans to enter the U.S. for up to two years due to concerns about sponsor fraud. Officials are reviewing sponsors' backgrounds after nearly 500,000 people entered under the program. Despite assurances of thorough vetting, Republican critics voiced strong opposition.

The Biden administration has taken a decisive step by temporarily suspending permits for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans to enter the United States for up to two years. This move comes amid rising concerns about potential fraud by financial sponsors.

Since June, nearly 500,000 individuals from these four countries have entered the U.S., utilizing a presidential authority that allows for online applications with U.S.-based financial sponsors at their own cost. The Homeland Security Department confirmed a 'temporary pause' on new authorizations to scrutinize the backgrounds of these sponsors.

Despite the lack of identified security or public safety threats from the beneficiaries, the Department emphasized the extensive screening and vetting processes in place before their arrival. However, the announcement followed revelations from an internal Homeland Security report, highlighting significant discrepancies, including sponsors linked to deceased Social Security numbers.

(With inputs from agencies.)