Hinds Today

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) has cosponsored legislation aimed at addressing concerns related to the parole of known or suspected terrorists into American communities under President Biden's administration. The Safeguarding Americans From Extremist Risk (SAFER) at the Border Act (S.4818) seeks to prohibit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from paroling migrants identified as Known and Suspected Terrorists or Special Interest Aliens.

Senator Hyde-Smith emphasized the national security risks associated with current border policies, citing recent arrests of individuals with potential terrorist affiliations who entered the country through these channels. "Criticism of the Biden administration’s failed open border policies are not political talking points. There are real threats to the American people as we learn of more illegal immigrants with terrorist links paroled in the country. It’s a national security risk that must be addressed," said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.

The urgency of this issue was highlighted by recent incidents involving eight Tajikistan nationals with suspected ISIS ties and reports indicating over 400 migrants brought to the U.S. by an ISIS-affiliated human smuggling network.

The SAFER at the Border Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.), has garnered endorsements from various organizations including the Immigration Accountability Project (IAP), America First Policy Institute (AFPI), Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), Heritage Action, and NumbersUSA.

In addition to supporting this bill, Hyde-Smith has backed multiple initiatives aimed at combating unauthorized parole programs established by President Biden’s DHS without Congressional approval, which have facilitated entry for migrants with weak or non-existent asylum claims.