The spokesperson emphasized that DHS takes any abuse of its processes very seriously. “Where fraud is identified, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will investigate and litigate applicable cases in immigration court and make criminal referrals to the Department of Justice,” they added.
“DHS will restart application processing as quickly as possible, with appropriate safeguards,” the spokesperson assured.
DHS still maintains that CHNV beneficiaries are “thoroughly screened” before their arrival. “The multi-layered screening and vetting for advanced travel authorizations is separate from the screening of U.S.-based supporters,” the spokesperson said. “DHS has not identified issues of concern relating to the screening and vetting of beneficiaries.”
Political Reactions: A Call for Termination
The discovery of fraud within the CHNV program has sparked intense political reactions. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson strongly criticized the program, stating, “Shut it down permanently. This program should have never existed in the first place.”
