Duval Times

Canada has recently increased the number of refugees allowed to enter on temporary resident visas from Israel and the Palestinian Territories, including Gaza and the West Bank. This move has raised concerns that Gazans with potential terrorist ties may enter the U.S. through Canada due to limited reliable records or background checks.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and colleagues have sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, urging heightened precautions along the U.S.-Canada border.

"While the Biden Administration claims that all foreign nationals are inspected pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act, this administration’s lax border enforcement is increasingly apparent, as terrorists and known criminals continue to stream across U.S. land borders, including from Canada," Rubio stated.

"The possibility of terrorists crossing the U.S.-Canada border is deeply concerning given the deep penetration of Gazan society by Hamas. It would be irresponsible for the U.S. to not take necessary heightened precautions when foreigners attempt to enter the United States."

Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) joined Rubio in signing the letter.

The full text of the letter addresses several key points:

On May 27, 2024, Canada announced its intent to increase the number of Gazans allowed into their country under temporary special measures. The senators expressed deep concern and requested heightened scrutiny by DHS should any Gazans attempt to enter the United States at ports of entry or between them.

The letter outlines that Canada's measures allow Palestinians living in the Palestinian Territories to apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV). Once granted entry by Canada via a TRV, they receive a "Refugee Travel Document," replacing their origin-country passport while they apply for Canadian citizenship. This document allows travel outside Canada and is recognized in 146 countries for paperwork and visa applications. However, with little reliable records or background checks from these territories, these policies may enable individuals with terrorist ties to enter Canada, receive new identification forms, and then try entering the U.S. along its northern border.

The senators stressed that irrespective of Canada's immigration policies, common-sense terrorist screening should not be waived for anyone entering through other countries. They noted that over 233 suspected terrorists have been encountered at the northern border in FY24 alone by U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Field Operations.

Given Hamas's influence in Gazan society, they argued it would be irresponsible not to take necessary precautions when foreigners attempt entry into the U.S. They also urged coordination with the State Department to ensure notification if high-risk individuals are allowed into Canada from Gaza.

The letter concluded with specific questions regarding protocols for handling Palestinian nationals or Canadian TRV holders attempting entry or claiming asylum at U.S. ports of entry.

Sincerely,

Marco Rubio

Ted Cruz

Tom Cotton

Mike Braun

Joni Ernst

Josh Hawley

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