WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Yvette Herrell (R-N.M.) and House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Secuirty (DHS) Inspector General Joseph Cuffari requesting an immediate investigation by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) into the Department of Homeland Security’s actions and decisions related to Operation Allies Welcome and the tens of thousands of Afghans being resettled in the United States.
“The Taliban’s consolidation of power in Afghanistan caused thousands to flee, many relying on their ability to seek refuge in the United States. Tens of thousands of evacuated Afghans are currently being hosted at military bases in the United States and around the globe. President Biden directed DHS to be the lead agency responsible for resettling evacuated Afghans in an effort dubbed Operation Allies Welcome," wrote the lawmakers. “Recognizing the legal limitations after the evacuation, the Biden Administration has asked Congress to provide a path to citizenship for those who have been or will be paroled into the country as well as extend refugee resettlement benefits to vulnerable Afghans to the same extent afforded actual refugees. The Administration made this request after the evacuation-further evidence that the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan was not well planned or executed."
To assist the Republicans on the Oversight Committee in understanding DHS’ process for vetting and resettling of Afghans in the United States and ensuring their safe integration into American communities, the lawmakers are requesting that the OIG conduct an investigation and answer specific questions as part of its review.
For a list of all questions, read the full letter to IG Cuffari here.
