Launched in October 2022, it was supposed to be designed for Venezuelans who met certain criteria it failed to screen applicants.
No one who had previously attempted illegal entry into the U.S. or had a criminal background in their country of origin was supposed to be in the program.
Each migrant was supposed to have a U.S.-based sponsor and pass biographical vetting.
While the program requires migrants to cover their travel expenses, it offers a pathway to enter the U.S. legally.
Department of Homeland Security finds Fraud
The abrupt freeze of the program follows an internal DHS report that disclosed rampant fraud among the sponsors responsible for financing the migrants’ entry.
A source familiar with the report shared with Fox News that the DHS is now investigating the authenticity of supporter applications, which are submitted by individuals who “agree to provide financial support to a beneficiary and undergo background checks.”
The report revealed that just 3,200 individual sponsors signed up to support around 101,000 migrants, which raised alarms within DHS about potential system abuse.
