This Issue: U.S. House passes Allies Act to bring 35,000-plus Afghans to U.S.; amnesty/budget reconciliation fight continues.

Last week, in a conversation about politics, my mother asked me in exasperation, "Are you positive about anything?"

Yes, lots of things, but there's not a lot to be positive about when it comes to the political situation in Washington, D.C. right now, not when it comes to immigration.

Granted, my job doesn't help matters. Working on immigration policy, at least on the reductionist side, isn't all hearts and flowers, suffice it to say. The current presidential administration is blatantly flouting immigration law and is intent on admitting into the United States as many foreign nationals as it can by all possible means. This is not just contrary to public opinion but completely disregards national security, public health, and the effects upon U.S. workers and the environment.

Here's a perfect example of the Biden Administration's approach to immigration policy. On Wednesday Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who served in that same capacity under Pres. Obama, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee pushing an amnesty for illegal alien farm workers. He also supports an indentured servitude guest worker program for farm laborers that would expand the included job categories beyond those for which unlimited H-2A visas are currently available.

Vilsack ignored the border crisis and denied an amnesty would make it worse. He said, "I think the primary reason why people are crossing the border is because they've got a very difficult experience economically back home." That may be so, but that has absolutely nothing to do with how or why people are admitted to the U.S., nor should it.

Even Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), often referred to somewhat affectionally as "Sen. Gramnesty"rejected Vilsack's call for an amnesty. And Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) told Vilsack "With all due respect your answers on immigration were fertilizer."

The problem isn't limited to the executive branch or to this President. Congress makes the laws and should be making sure those laws are enforced. Yet, even amidst a historic surge in illegal immigration, many in Congress are pushing for amnesty, with Democratic leaders threatening to include a massive amnesty in a budget reconciliation bill in order to bypass the Senate filibuster.

And members of both parties overwhelmingly voted in the House on Thursday to pass the Allies Act of 2021, expanding the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program to include 8,000 Afghans who are at particular risk from the Taliban for their "sensitive and trusted" work with U.S. forces. To many Americans, regardless of their views on the 20-year War in Afghanistan, this seems like the right thing to do. However, 10,000 unused primary SIVs are currently available. Why not use them instead of expanding the program. And every SIV beneficiary can bring in spouses and minor children, resulting in an average of 3.5 additional people admitted along with every SIV, booting the total to 36,000, with all eligible to work in the U.S.

There are no offsets in other visa categories, not family-based or employment-based, and these are not counted against the refugee ceiling. As mentioned before, there are already 10,000 available SIV visas, co the intent is to add to immigration numbers. Worse, the bill's language makes it clear that many who did not work directly with U.S. military and aren't at risk for that reason still will be eligible. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Tex.) who voted against the bill explains that an amendment was added that "'expands the program to include nonprofits and grantees, private organizations that contributed to the United States mission in Afghanistan.' We don't know who would be included."

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ari.) also voted against the bill for similar reasons, as he explains here.

Dan Cadman, a Center for Immigration Studies Fellow, looked at the Allies Act and found that it "cut corners on national security, fraud, and public health." An objective look at the legislation would cause anyone to have concerns about the potential for fraud and abuse in the program. Just last week, Reuters reported that the State Department was investigating 104,000 Iraqi refugees in the U.S. for filing potentially fraudulent applications. While this is not part of the SIV program, it will be handled by the State Department under an Administration whose goal when it comes to admitting foreign nationals is "get to yes."

For the reasons stated above, NumbersUSA scored against the bill. Only 16 members voted against it, all Republicans.

In addition to Reps. Biggs and Roy, they are:

Reps. Lauren Boebert (Colo.), Mo Brooks (Ala.), Scott DesJarlais (Tenn.), Jeff Duncan (S.C.), Bob Good (Va.), Paul Gosar (Az.), Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.), Kevin Hern (Okla.), Jody Hice (Ga.), Thomas Massie (Ky.), Barry Moore (Ala.), Scott Perry (Pa.), Bill Posey (Fla.), Matthew Rosendale (Mont.).

These members could have supported the bill and used the argument that they were "protecting our allies" even though the bill goes far beyond that. It was not an easy vote for them, but they did the right thing and deserve recognition. I'm sure notes of thanks to them from NumbersUSA members will be very welcome.

And let those members who did vote for the bill know why you disapprove.

Yes, the passage of the Allies Act was disappointing, and there's little to be positive about when it comes to the Biden Administration's immigration policies. But remember, it was just last week that a federal judge ruled that DACA violated the law. And recognizing the reality of the present situation does not mean we have surrendered the fight. It means we recognize what's in front of us and motivates us to redouble our efforts.

We can't do it without our members and activists, so keep up the pressure on your elected officials. One thing I am thankful for everyday is that there are millions of you out there who are truly committed to fighting for an immigration system that puts the interests of the American people first and foremost, and who recognize that our children and grandchildren will be the beneficiaries of what we can accomplish together today.

Eric Ruark, Director of Research