Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) have reintroduced the Afghan Vetting Accountability Act, aiming to strengthen security measures for Afghan refugees admitted to the U.S. following the chaotic 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The legislation follows President Donald Trump’s announcement of a pause on the U.S. refugee program, citing failures by the Biden administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to properly vet evacuees. Reports have alleged that improper screening allowed individuals with ties to national security threats—including a terrorist planning an attack—to enter the U.S.
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“President Joe Biden’s botched withdrawal from Afghanistan was an international embarrassment and massive national security failure,” said Sen. Scott. “Biden allowed thousands of evacuees to come into the United States without comprehensive vetting, including violent individuals and a dangerous terrorist.”
Scott emphasized that while the U.S. remains grateful to those who aided American forces, there must be “serious changes” to ensure national security.
Sen. Ernst echoed his concerns, stressing the need for strict vetting protocols.
“We have already seen the dangers of the Biden administration’s vetting failures,” Ernst stated. “I am protecting Americans by ensuring that those already here and anyone seeking to enter are able to pass the highest levels of scrutiny and vetting.”
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The Afghan Vetting Accountability Act would impose stricter screening and oversight, including:
- Identifying and reviewing evacuees admitted between July 2021 and January 2022 to confirm they underwent full screening.
- Mandating recurring security vetting for all paroled Afghan evacuees during their stay in the U.S.
- Requiring Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to provide evidence of thorough screening to federal and state law enforcement agencies.
- Directing DHS and its Inspector General to report to Congress within 180 days, detailing the results of the vetting process and identifying any evacuees deemed ineligible for U.S. admission.
The bill’s introduction aligns with Trump’s broader crackdown on immigration and national security concerns, as his administration reviews all refugee and parole programs implemented under President Biden.
The botched withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, which resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members, has remained a major point of contention in Washington. Critics argue that Biden’s evacuation process allowed insufficiently vetted individuals into the country, creating potential security risks.
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With Republicans controlling the Senate, the bill is expected to receive strong support from GOP lawmakers, though Democratic opposition could pose challenges in the House.
If passed, the Afghan Vetting Accountability Act would overhaul vetting standards for Afghan evacuees, while holding DHS accountable for past failures. The bill’s progress will be closely watched as the Trump administration continues to reshape U.S. immigration and refugee policies.
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