The Critical Importance of Vetting Immigrants

Commentary

Why is it crucial that the federal government rigorously screen every immigrant who attempts to enter the United States? Obviously, there would be far fewer immigrants to vet if the borders were secure, which would greatly reduce the risk of “gotaways” entering the country. The Trump administration is currently working to reduce these risks at the borders, coupled with interior enforcement.

During the prior administration, millions of gotaways and poorly vetted immigrants with dubious asylum claims were allowed to enter the United States. They received an array of social services that should have been reserved for citizens and legal immigrants. These folks knowingly broke the law as they undercut the rights of legal immigrants, who adhere to the rule of law.

A practical method to screen potential immigrants would include more extensive and intensive scrutiny of student, tourist, and worker visa applications in the applicants’ home countries before traveling to the United States.

For example, the 19 hijackers who perpetrated the 9/11 terrorist attacks came to the United States on either business, student, or tourist visas, and some overstayed their visas. Most arrived on business or tourist visas, which did not allow them to engage in flight training. That should have raised red flags.

Another reason for extensive vetting is the reality of birthright citizenship and chain migration. Some immigrants attempt to enter the country, whether illegally or legally, in order to have children and then claim the dubious distinction of birthright citizenship. Others come to the United States in order to incrementally bring over cousins or other family members. In too many cases, fraud is involved in the application and interview process. In some cases, sham marriages to citizens take place, which generate shortcuts to permanent residency.

In addition, before the Trump presidency, young single males from adversarial nations were often given the green light to enter the country. It’s a mystery as to how many of these individuals are criminals or terrorists. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of unaccompanied minors received the welcome mat. Unfortunately, the location of large numbers of these minors remains unknown. Apparently, the drug and human trafficking cartels were given free rein at the border, making life miserable for folks living in the border states.

In light of recent campus and street protests regarding the Hamas–Israel conflict and current immigration enforcement policies, it’s increasingly important to fully vet foreign students who wish to attend American universities. Far too many foreign students misunderstand the meaning of free assembly and speech.

They believe that civil rights allows them to block buildings, sidewalks, and streets. In other words, they confuse liberty with license as they bully the general public and students who want a good education. There is a vast difference between peaceful demonstrations and mob-like behavior. Many of these rioters could learn valuable lessons in responsible liberty and self-governance.

Unfortunately, from 2021 to 2024, countless numbers of unlawful immigrants were encouraged to receive tax-funded social services such as education, healthcare, and housing. All of these services are incredibly expensive and often sideline legal immigrants and veterans. Why would any sane government promote a sense of unearned entitlement among lawbreaking immigrants? It defies common sense. In addition, if unlawful immigrants love America so much, shouldn’t they be investing in the United States rather than sending large portions of their earnings back to their birth countries?

What is urgently needed in America is not the buzz phrase “comprehensive immigration reform,” but rather the enforcement of immigration laws on the books. Several decades ago, there was an orderly process of immigration that allowed in reasonable numbers of immigrants who would not overwhelm society. It’s important to return to an orderly process of legal immigration that will facilitate normal assimilation.

Regardless of national origin, all potential immigrants must be rigorously vetted for any red flags. Our airspace, borders, and coasts must be made even more secure to keep criminals, drugs, and terrorists out. Current immigration laws must be enforced by U.S. agencies and immigration judges. Incentives for self-deportation should be utilized to give unlawful immigrants an opportunity to make wiser choices in the future. Noncitizens who take part in destructive riots need to be removed from the country in an expeditious manner.

Furthermore, the federal government and law enforcement partners at all levels need to use all means necessary to deport illegals who are criminals and find the missing unaccompanied minors who are inside the United States. For any civilization to advance and flourish, it’s critical that folks absorb the meaning of respect for the rule of law. Immigration is a privilege that must be earned in a responsible manner to avoid the law of the jungle. Indeed, ordered liberty will enhance our national security.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.