Today, Andrew Block, Senior Counsel at America First Legal (AFL), is set to testify before the House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability. The focus of his testimony will be on waste, fraud, and abuse within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Biden Administration.
Block's testimony aims to shed light on what he describes as abuses of authority in immigration policy during President Biden's tenure. He argues that these actions have led to a misuse of federal resources and compromised American security.
In his prepared remarks, Block thanks Chairman Brecheen, Ranking Member Thanedar, and other subcommittee members for the opportunity to discuss AFL's findings over the past four years regarding DHS operations. He criticizes the administration for its approach to immigration policy, claiming it failed to uphold laws and even created obstacles for law enforcement.
Block highlights several issues with parole authority use under the current administration. He asserts that Congress intended this authority for specific exigent circumstances but accuses the administration of using it broadly to admit millions indiscriminately. One example cited is the CBP One app program which allowed individuals without proper documentation to enter the U.S., according to Block.
He references Secretary Noem's statement that over one million people entered illegally through such programs. AFL acknowledges DHS's recent decision to repurpose this app for removal efforts as a positive step.
Block also mentions other controversial programs like CHNV and Parole in Place. He claims these initiatives attempted to grant legal status to 2.6 million illegal aliens—a number exceeding the population of 15 U.S. states or equivalent to Chicago’s population.
The testimony further addresses an attempt by the administration in 2022 with an "Asylum Officer Rule," which would have shifted responsibilities from Immigration judges to USCIS Asylum officers. AFL Founder Stephen Miller labeled it “the most extreme immigration regulation ever proposed.”
Finally, Block discusses interior enforcement policies under Biden’s leadership, particularly criticizing restrictions placed on ICE agents' ability to perform their duties effectively due to required pre-approvals from Washington D.C., resulting in delayed enforcement actions against dangerous individuals.