On August 21, House Republicans took decisive action, issuing a subpoena to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Their primary concern concerns the CHNV (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela) parole program. Implemented on January 6, this initiative permits 30,000 foreign nationals from the abovementioned countries to be paroled into the U.S. monthly.
In a surprising move in October 2022, the administration declared that Venezuelans would no longer be granted asylum at the U.S. border. However, a subsequent decision determined that Venezuelans could still enter the U.S. if they secured a financial sponsor, described as a U.S. supporter willing to provide financial backing throughout their parole duration. This provision was later extended to include nationals from Haiti, Nicaragua, and Cuba.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, this policy facilitates a “safe and orderly” entry for these nationals into the U.S. Those who qualify can stay for a temporary period of up to two years, either for urgent humanitarian reasons or if it serves a significant public benefit.
In his communication to Secretary Mayorkas, House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-Tenn.) sought clarity on the program’s inception and details about its applicants. It’s worth noting that the CHNV parole draws inspiration from a similar program that allows up to 30,000 Ukrainian nationals to enter the U.S. monthly.
The issuance of this subpoena comes after a prolonged 102-day wait since the initial deadline set by Republicans for the DHS to provide the necessary documents. The Committee highlighted the administration’s consistent delays in producing these materials, which, according to the Republicans, warranted the move to a subpoena.
Democrats React
The decision to issue a subpoena was swiftly criticized by panel Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), who labeled it “baseless.” Thompson was astonished, stating, “It’s baffling that Republicans have taken this step while the Department has been actively collaborating to provide the required information.”
Thompson further argued that the Republican move was outside the Committee’s legislative jurisdiction and violated the Committee’s rules. He recalled instances where Democrats had to resort to subpoenas with the Trump Administration, with the Republicans remaining notably silent.
Thompson perceives this action as a part of a larger Republican strategy to impeach Secretary Mayorkas, especially given the growing Republican discontent with Mayorkas’s border management.
Responding to the situation, a DHS spokesperson told The Epoch Times that such escalation was unwarranted. The spokesperson emphasized, “DHS has responded proactively to the Homeland Security Committee’s inquiries.” They added that the Department had communicated its intention to provide more data when available. The spokesperson concluded by reaffirming DHS’s commitment to cooperate with Congressional oversight while diligently working to safeguard the nation on multiple fronts.
As the nation watches, it’s evident that House Republicans are steadfast in their commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. Their actions underscore the importance of clear communication and the need for effective policies prioritizing American citizens’ safety and well-being.