(Rightallegiance.com) – Senator Ted Cruz of Texas recently expressed his concerns about the screening process for migrants boarding flights in a letter addressed to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. In the letter, Cruz brings attention to the apparent disparity in identity verification standards between American citizens and illegal aliens.
Cruz emphasizes the significance of proper identification for Americans when flying and questions the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) acceptance of an alternative identity verification process for illegal aliens through the CBP One app. He notes in the letter, “While Americans must present an acceptable form of identification to fly, or at least have their identities confirmed, TSA is permitting illegal aliens without ID to opt for an alternate identity verification process utilizing the… ‘CBP One’ app.” According to Cruz, this process essentially relies on the word of the illegal aliens for certain data, potentially allowing them to obtain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) documents and board flights from airports.
The CBP One app has been instrumental in allowing approximately 1,600 migrants daily to be paroled into the United States through ports of entry. Cruz, who serves as the ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee, raises concerns about the flexibility of this process, asserting that even those without a passport or other means of proving their identity can still gain entry into the U.S.
Of particular worry to Cruz is the potential security risk posed by relying on unverified information when migrants attempt to fly out of an airport. He states, “TSA may use his unverified name and date of birth in CBP One to verify his identity, even though the person may in fact be a terrorist or other criminal traveling under a fake identity.” Cruz highlights the critical need for thorough vetting, especially considering the possibility of individuals with questionable intentions exploiting the system.
Cruz also draws attention to the financial aspect of the issue, pointing out that while migrants can utilize this alternative identification process for free, American citizens are required to pay for governmental IDs at Department of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) or the State Department. This raises questions about the fairness and equity in the application of identification standards.
In his quest for more transparency and understanding of the situation, Cruz is seeking documents and information related to the use of “acceptable alternate identification” by TSA, the specific “special circumstances” under which alternative ID can be utilized, and the repercussions for migrants lacking proper forms of identification. Additionally, he is interested in exploring the “disparate cost burden” on American citizens related to illegal immigrants and the number of passengers screened by TSA who underwent an alternate identity verification process on a specific date.
This latest concern raised by Cruz echoes ongoing worries among Republicans about the potential risks associated with migrants, both illegal immigrants and those paroled, boarding aircraft with limited or questionable forms of identification. In the past, TSA Administrator David Pekoske faced tough questions during a Senate hearing regarding the policy allowing illegal immigrants to use warrants as an alternative form of identification.
Pekoske clarified that individuals presenting warrants initiate a more extensive verification process. “These individuals who have these arrest warrants, these arrest warrants were issued by Border Patrol or a customs officer, and they serve as a beginning of our identity verification process, so you can’t walk up to a checkpoint, wave that form and then go right through into screening,” he explained. Despite this assurance, Cruz’s concerns highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the effectiveness and reliability of identification procedures in the context of immigration and national security.
As of now, Fox News Digital has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for a response to Senator Cruz’s letter and concerns. The outcome of this inquiry may shed more light on the intricacies of the identity verification process for migrants and the potential risks associated with varying standards.