Goodlatte Statement on DHS IG Report Regarding Deputy Secretary Mayorkas

Washington, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) today issued the following statement on the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General’s report, which found that Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas allegedly exerted improper influence in the processing and approval of EB-5 immigration program benefits. The EB-5 program gives residency preference to aliens who agree to invest in the United States and create jobs for American workers. Chairman Goodlatte: “It’s extremely troubling that one of the top leaders at the Department of Homeland Security seems to have used his power to show favoritism to wealthy and politically-connected individuals. Our government is supposed to work for all of the American people, not just a select few. Such an abuse of authority is inexcusable and creates a crisis of confidence in Deputy Director Mayorkas’ ability to lead the Department impartially. President Obama should take the appropriate steps to hold him accountable for his actions. The House Judiciary Committee, which oversees our nation’s immigration system, will continue its aggressive oversight of the Department of Homeland Security, including further investigating this matter and keeping a watchful eye on all of its employees to ensure they do not abuse their authority.”