Biden-Harris Face Mounting Criticism Following Foiled Terrorist Plot

The Biden-Harris administration faces mounting criticism over its Afghan immigrant vetting procedures following an arrest tied to an ISIS plot on U.S. soil.

At a Glance

Sen. Chuck Grassley criticizes the administration for inadequate vetting of Afghan evacuees.
An Afghan native with a Special Immigrant Visa was arrested for plotting an ISIS-inspired attack.
Lawmakers express concerns over increased terror risks due to the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Calls for improved transparency and accountability in immigration proceedings are growing.

Concerns Over Afghan Vetting

Sen. Chuck Grassley has been vocally criticizing the Biden-Harris administration for not adequately vetting Afghan evacuees following the U.S. troop withdrawal in 2021. His concerns have intensified following the arrest of an Afghan native, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, who entered the U.S. on a Special Immigrant Visa. Tawhedi was apprehended by the FBI for allegedly planning an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack in the United States.

Grassley emphasizes the government’s duty to protect its citizens, accusing the administration of failing to address security concerns. He has been actively involved in oversight and legislative efforts related to Afghan evacuee vetting and resettlement.

Biden-Harris team was flagged for weak vetting of Afghan refugees, now one charged in terror plot https://t.co/mYOaXO8goI

— Just the News (@JustTheNews) October 9, 2024

Watchdog Reports and Legislative Oversight

A watchdog report supports Sen. Grassley’s oversight of the Department of Homeland Security and FBI failures in properly vetting Afghan evacuees. Lawmakers have consistently warned that the Biden-Harris administration’s withdrawal strategy weakened national security and increased terror risks by failing to thoroughly screen Afghan refugees. House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green issued a subpoena to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for inadequate responses regarding the vetting processes.

Nearly 80,000 Afghan evacuees were resettled between July 2021 and January 2022, with reports indicating many were inadequately vetted due to missing or incomplete data. This has raised national security issues, with concerns now being expressed by various lawmakers, including Sen. Ron Johnson.

Calls for Improved Transparency and Security

Lawmakers and national security experts are urging the Biden-Harris administration to revamp its vetting processes to ensure the safety of American citizens. While the Department of Homeland Security has cited being overwhelmed by committee requests, the agency faces criticism for providing inadequate data during this critical time. Recent actions by the administration have left many questioning their capacity to secure the border adequately and address potential terror threats.

As this situation unfolds, the administration is under pressure to enhance security measures for refugee programs, particularly those seen as vulnerable to terrorist exploitations. Vetting must be rigorous and comprehensive to prevent any potential threats from entering the United States.