- The policy allows in limited numbers of vetted migrants from four nations
- DHS revealed that it sent over 200,000 in through the program
- Around 80 percent of the migrants were sent to four cities in the state of Florida
The Department of Homeland Security revealed that it sent over 200,000 migrants on a controversial parole program to 45 cities across the United States between January and August 2023.
The policy, which was enacted in October 2022, allowed migrants who had not entered the country illegally to fly directly into America.
Migrants were also required to have a sponsor in the US and pass various vetting tests.
It was initially announced for Venezuelans, before adding Haitians, Nicaraguans and Cubans amid one of the worst migrant crises in American history under President Joe Biden and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Around 80 percent of the migrants were sent to four cities in the state of Florida: Miami – which got 91,821, more than any other city – Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa Bay were among the top 15 destinations, according to the DHS.
Under fire Secretary Mayorkas says the program led to a reduction in people from those nations illegally crossing the border.
‘It is a key element of our efforts to address the unprecedented level of migration throughout our hemisphere, and other countries around the world see it as a model to tackle the challenge of increased irregular migration that they too are experiencing,’ Mayorkas said.
New York City, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco were also in the top 10 of destinations.
Another 1.6million migrants are waiting to get into the country via this same program, DHS claims.
Multiple states, including Florida, have attempted to sue to stop the program but have thus far been unsuccessful.
‘Biden’s parole program is unlawful, and constitutes an abuse of constitutional authority. Florida is currently suing Biden to shut it down, and we believe that we will prevail,’ said Governor Ron DeSantis’ press secretary, Jeremy Redfern.
Since Biden took office, the U.S. has seen record-high numbers of illegal border crossings.
Customs and Border Protection has apprehended more than 7.6 million migrants illegally crossing the southern border – the majority of which are traveling from Central and South American countries in efforts to claim asylum in the U.S.
The crisis at the border has been a scandal for the Biden administration throughout his presidency, with former President and 2024 opponent Donald Trump promising to fix the problem.
