Immigration Subcommittee to Hold Oversight Hearing on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 1:00 p.m., the Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee will hold an oversight hearing on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  USCIS is part of the Department of Homeland Security and oversees lawful immigration to the United States. At the hearing, USCIS Director Leon Rodriguez will testify on the issues facing the agency.  At the hearing, Members of the Committee will examine issues such as visa processing security, USCIS’ ability to screen Syrian refugees that are to be resettled in the United States, the agency’s failure to address asylum fraud, its liberal use of parole authority to bring foreigners to the United States, and its Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, among other topics. Below are statements from House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) on this hearing. Chairman Goodlatte: “USCIS is tasked with ensuring the integrity of our immigration system but the Obama Administration’s policies have undercut this responsibility. For the past seven years, officials at USCIS have politicized the agency by adopting policies that enable fraud, encourage more illegal immigration, and stretch the law beyond all recognition. Additionally, officials seem ready to rubberstamp the President’s plan to admit thousands of Syrian refugees over the coming year despite not having the necessary information and resources to fully vet Syrian refugees. These issues, as well as others, will be examined with Director Leon at the USCIS oversight hearing.” Subcommittee Chairman Gowdy: “From the vetting and security screening process to the agency’s ability to root out fraud and abuse, USCIS has a critical role in ensuring the security of our lawful immigration system. We look forward to hearing from Director Rodriguez about how USCIS is working to fulfill the government’s preeminent responsibility of public safety.” This hearing will take place in 2141 Rayburn House Office Building and will be webcast live at /. Camera crews wishing to cover must be congressionally-credentialed and RSVP with the House Radio-TV Gallery at (202) 225-5214.