House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., wrote Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson seeking data on the number of unaccompanied alien children (UACs) apprehended on the southern border over the past few years and the immigration benefits they were given. His committee will hold an oversight hearing on the matter next week.
Goodlatte’s letter said, “I am formally requesting information needed by the Committee in carrying out its oversight responsibilities regarding the unprecedented influx of unaccompanied alien minors and alien minors accompanied by adults seeking to enter the U.S. illegally along our southern border ant the Department of Homeland Security’s response to this immigration and national security crisis.”
The letter seeks data dating back to 2010 on the number of UACs, their countries of origin, whether they traveled with family, and the locations within the United States to which they were transported. Goodlatte also wants to know the legal authority under which the Administration is authorized to transfer UACs and family to locations with the U.S., and whether the illegal aliens showed up in court as required after being released with a “notice to appear.”
With respect to immigration benefits, Goodlatte wants data on the number of Special Immigrant Juvenile visa petitions filed and approved for UACs dating back to 2010. If granted these petitions provide a fast-track to citizenship. He also asked for data on the number of applications for asylum and withholding of removal filed and approved for UACs dating back to 2010. In both categories, he’s seeking data on the numbers that were accompanied by an adult. This is relevant because the minor can sponsor the accompanying parent after gaining legal status and becoming an adult.
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