Fact-Checking Trump's Claims About Biden Administration's Immigration Policies

In his recent Super Tuesday speech, former President Donald Trump made alarming claims about the Biden administration's immigration policies. Let's delve into the facts behind these assertions and dissect the reality.

Debunking the Claim

Trump asserted that the Biden administration discreetly airlifted over 300,000 unvetted migrants into the U.S. This statement, which had gained traction on social media, was based on a report by the Center for Immigration Studies. The report examined the administration's parole program for individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

Contrary to Trump's claims, U.S. Customs and Border Protection regularly publishes the number of migrants admitted under the parole program by nationality. In January 2023 alone, over 327,000 individuals were vetted and authorized for travel. These figures are transparent and available to the public, debunking the notion of secretive or unvetted entries.

Examining Flights and Arrivals

The Center for Immigration Studies' article revealed that over 320,000 individuals from the aforementioned countries arrived in the U.S. last year, entering through 43 airports. However, the specific airport details were not disclosed due to an exemption under the Freedom of Information Act.

Todd Bensman, the author of the report, emphasized the lack of transparency in the program, characterizing it as "enigmatic." Despite the absence of specific airport disclosures, each migrant undergoes stringent vetting by CBP, dispelling the portrayal of arrivals from "parts unknown."

Dispelling Misinformation

Social media posts, including one attributed to Elon Musk, suggested that the administration orchestrated these arrivals to bolster voter numbers. However, individuals admitted under the parole program have no path to citizenship and can only obtain temporary work permits, rendering the voter augmentation claim baseless.

It's important to note that Biden's use of parole authority has far surpassed that of his predecessors, a move vehemently criticized by Trump. The current administration has granted entry to over 1 million individuals using parole, not solely limited to the 327,000 from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

White House Response

Angelo Fernández Hernández, a White House spokesperson, vehemently refuted the claims of clandestine entry, affirming that individuals from the mentioned countries undergo thorough screening processes. These statements underscore the rigorous vetting procedures in place, contradicting the notion of unvetted or secretive entries.

Notably, both the Trump campaign and representatives of Elon Musk declined to comment on the matter when approached for a response.