Nearly 7,000 people—mostly refugees—were granted exemptions from certain U.S. entry restrictions related to terrorism, marking a massive increase over past years.
Key Facts:
• Over 6,800 foreigners received exemptions, a sharp rise compared to 2,085 waivers the previous year.
• Most of the 6,848 exemptions went to refugees (6,653 total).
• The administration raised the annual refugee cap to 125,000, up from 18,000 under the previous administration.
• Some exemptions involved Afghan evacuees who worked as civil servants under the Taliban but posed no security risk.
• DHS emphasizes that all applicants undergo a rigorous background check before an exemption is granted.
The Rest of The Story:
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can waive “terrorism-related inadmissibility grounds,” or TRIG, in particular circumstances.
These include cases where individuals provided support under threat or offered basic medical care.
This discretion is meant to allow people who do not pose an actual threat to receive refugee or other legal status.
DHS says it applies strict vetting procedures to each applicant to ensure public safety.
A significant portion of this year’s nearly 7,000 exemptions was granted to refugees seeking entry under the new higher refugee cap.
At the same time, smaller numbers covered specific situations, such as Afghan nationals who cooperated with U.S. forces or those who offered minor assistance to undesignated organizations.
During the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the policy tried to ensure that no one in genuine need was automatically excluded.
Critics say that by increasing the total number of refugee admissions, the administration risks admitting dangerous individuals.
Sickening lies from disgraced DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who is leaving office insisting that the Biden administration secured the border more than the Trump administration ever did
cc @StephenM @BillMelugin_ pic.twitter.com/SgSAAulqRl
— Matthew Foldi (@MatthewFoldi) January 14, 2025
Others argue the process is thorough and helps those fleeing terror-related violence.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas previously emphasized that an exemption is only granted after authorities carefully review all security checks.
Many Republicans remain skeptical, recalling that the number of TRIG exemptions increased from just a few hundred in 2021 to over 6,000 now.
They believe a more cautious approach is needed, especially in light of heightened border concerns.
🚨NEW REPORT🚨
The DHS Inspector General has reported that the Biden-Harris @StateDept waived vetting processes for 7-9 million people to whom they gave visas.This is a serious lapse in our security, leaving massive vulnerabilities for terrorists to exploit. pic.twitter.com/pObFTbiojs
— Rep. Eli Crane (@RepEliCrane) August 2, 2024
The Bottom Line:
This surge in TRIG exemptions aims to admit refugees who have links to terror groups only under severe duress or minimal involvement.
The administration insists it is balancing compassion with security through deeper background checks.
Despite concern from some lawmakers, DHS says each exemption receives detailed scrutiny to protect Americans.
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These waivers will remain a flashpoint in the ongoing immigration debate.