Mayorkas: Only 16 Pct. of 60,000 Afghan Evacuees are U.S. Citizens or SIV Holders

Nick Kangadis | September 22, 2021
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After his first day of testimony in front of the Senate, the House Homeland Security Committee took their turn — virtually — to question Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, this time concerning “Global Threats to the U.S.”

Rep. Peter Meijer (R-Mich.) took his time to question Mayorkas on the statistics concerning the Afghan evacuees that were brought to the U.S. during and following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

The percentages that Mayorkas responded with might raise a few eyebrows.

So we have admitted into the United States over 60,000 Afghan nationals. Approximately seven percent of that population are United States citizens. Approximately six percent are lawful, permanent residents. Approximately three percent are Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders. The balance is a combination, if I may, Congressman, a combination of Special Immigrant Visa applicants, whose applications have not been finalized for approval, a locally employed staff of individuals who would qualify under, for example, P1, P2 refugee status, and then other vulnerable Afghans as you have identified — journalists, human rights activists, etc.

So for those playing the math home game, Mayorkas just said that only 16 percent of those Afghan evacuees brought to the U.S. are either U.S. citizens, permanent residents and SIV holders.

Now, I’m not saying none of the other people brought here deserved refuge. But with all the talk in the immediate aftermath of the Afghanistan debacle being of the variety that we were evacuating higher priority individuals and families, you expect the number of people who hold any of the three statuses mentioned above to be higher than 16 percent.

For context, you can view Meijer's question and Mayorkas' response below:

 

H/T: New York Post

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