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Congressman Garbarino Calls for Transparency From White House on The Relocation of Undocumented Children to New York

October 19, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino sent a letter to President Joe Biden, expressing concern with recent reports that the administration has been flying unaccompanied minors into New Yorkas a result of the ongoing surge of migrants at our southern border. He called for transparency and answers on behalf of his constituents impacted by the influx. The text of the letter can be found below: 

President Biden,

I write to express my grave concern with recent reports that your administration is flying unaccompanied minors into New York as a result of the ongoing surge of migrants at our southern border. This influx of migrants to New York has an immense impact on the communities in my district and across Long Island. My constituents deserve transparency and answers to who these people are, what their security vetting and COVID-19 screening status is, and how local resources will be impacted.

This attempt by your administration to quietly transport unaccompanied minors in the dead of night is unconscionable. My constituents and I deserve to know who is entering our community. The fact that security vetting information and the COVID-19 status of these migrants are unknown is extremely alarming to me as the representative for the almost 700,000 Americans in NY-02 who may now be exposed to security and health risks. Just last month, the DHS Office of Inspector General released a report that the agency has failed to ensure sufficient COVID-19 preventative measures at the border. The health, safety, and security of New Yorkers, and of the minors themselves, is now at risk because of your administration’s irresponsible immigration and border policies.

To add to my concerns, for years, unaccompanied minors have slipped through the cracks of our nation’s immigration system. Many have fallen prey to recruitment efforts by the largest and most violent transnational gang on Long Island, MS-13. MS-13 members from Central America continue to exploit the growing crisis at the southern border as an opportunity to gain access to our country and recruit vulnerable unaccompanied minors. This is compounded by the fact that, in some cases, the sponsors of these children prove not to be suitable guardians. Too many communities in my district have lost innocent lives and suffered violence as a result of insufficient vetting procedures.

I have repeatedly called for increased transparency from your administration regarding the border crisis. In fact, earlier this month I joined my colleagues on the Committee on Homeland Security in requesting clarity on your administration’s handling of this crisis on behalf of the American people. I am very concerned about the strain your policies will have on state and local resources. My constituents should not have to bear the financial burden of providing food, housing, and education for these migrants.

On behalf of my constituents, I demand transparency from your administration about the placement of migrants in New York and across our country. All Americans deserve to know how your mismanaged border policies will impact each of our communities.

 
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