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2w ago

Senate Republicans Press Afghan Parole Vetting in Hearing After D.C. Guardsman Killing

Inspector general testimony spotlighted gaps in tracking parolees that Republicans say underscore security risks.

Refugees board a US aircraft heading to Germany, after being evacuated from Kabul during an evacuation flight, at the Torrejon de Ardoz air base, 30 km from Madrid, on August 24, 2021. - Spain has been evacuating its nationals and local contractors from Afghanistan via Dubai since the Taliban swept to power ten days ago. Another 420 people are expected to arrive in Spain on August 24, 2021, including 290 people from Dubai and 130 who are expected to leave on a Spanish military plane from Kabul. (Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The Judiciary subcommittees led by Sens. Josh Hawley and John Cornyn held a Jan. 14 hearing scrutinizing Operation Allies Welcome and the use of humanitarian parole.
  • Homeland Security’s inspector general office told senators DHS lacked a well-defined process to track Afghan parolees and often did not take action when parole expired.
  • Authorities say Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal fatally shot Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounded Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe in November in Washington, D.C., and he is charged with federal crimes.
  • Advocates and veterans argued the shooting was an aberration and pointed to a Justice Department report finding the FBI effectively screened tens of thousands of evacuees.
  • The White House under President Trump has suspended entry of Afghan nationals and paused visas, with additional reporting noting a halt to the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa program.