The Biden administration is under scrutiny for allegedly allowing paroled immigrants with criminal records to receive federal aid, sparking a heated debate on national security and government efficiency.
Key Takeaways
- The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) reported that 6,300 paroled individuals had criminal or terrorist records.
- A total of $1.3 million in federal benefits was allegedly given to paroled immigrants.
- 905 paroled individuals received Medicaid benefits totaling $276,000.
- The Biden administration’s parole programs faced criticism for minimal vetting processes.
- The White House has ended the program and revoked parole status for affected individuals.
The Controversy Unfolds
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has raised concerns over the Biden administration’s policies, reportedly allowing paroled individuals with criminal or terrorist records to access $1.3 million in taxpayer-funded benefits. Notably, 905 individuals reportedly received Medicaid benefits amounting to $276,000, raising eyebrows over the procedures used to vet these beneficiaries.
Experts have criticized the Biden-era parole programs for allegedly permitting individuals from certain countries to enter the U.S. under humanitarian protections without sufficient vetting. “It is clear that the Biden-Harris administration has intentionally used unlawful mass-parole schemes to shift hundreds of thousands of inadmissible aliens to ports of entry for release into the interior, often with little or no vetting,” states a recent House Homeland Security Committee report.
Under the Biden administration, it was routine for Border Patrol to admit aliens into the United States with no legal status and minimal screening. So far, CBP identified a subset of 6.3k individuals paroled into the United States since 2023 on the FBI's Terrorist Screening… https://t.co/nSLwwaUmtb
— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) April 10, 2025
The Financials and Responses
Beyond Medicaid, additional benefits included $42,000 in unemployment benefits and $280,000 in federal student loans, illustrating the broader impact on federal aid systems. A sum of $751,000 has been reported in net tax refunds for these individuals, prompting questions about eligibility and legal status. “Under the Biden administration, it was routine for [U.S.] Border Patrol to admit aliens into the United States with no legal status and minimal screening,” said the government fat trimmer.
President Trump previously enacted executive orders to eliminate federal benefits for illegal immigrants and reinforced that illegal aliens are barred from welfare programs unless granted parole, thus classifying them as “qualified aliens.” Critics argue that these measures were necessary to safeguard public funds and maintain national security.
A Step Towards Rectification
In response to backlash, the parole status of affected individuals has been terminated. Individuals paroled since 2023 have been identified on the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center watchlist or had criminal records, prompting immediate corrective actions. DOGE emphasized the need for stricter vetting protocols to prevent such issues from recurring.
Moving forward, calls for thorough investigations into DOGE’s operations and data handling continue to gain momentum among Congressional Democrats. Stakeholders demand a comprehensive review to ensure that policies align with national interests and prioritize the safety and security of American citizens.
