Yakima Times

Over recent years, the United States has experienced a significant increase in illegal border crossings, prompting concerns about national security and immigration policies. The nation, known for its immigrant heritage, faces challenges with a system many deem in need of reform. Since 2021, over 10 million illegal migrant encounters have been recorded nationwide, alongside approximately 2 million "gotaways" who managed to evade Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The lack of comprehensive vetting at the southern border is viewed as a major threat to national security. Since Fiscal Year 2021, authorities have apprehended 382 individuals on the terrorist watch list at U.S. borders—a stark contrast to the 11 such encounters reported between Fiscal Year 2017 and Fiscal Year 2020.

A recent incident highlighted these security concerns when Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, an Afghan national on parole status during his immigration proceedings, was apprehended for plotting an ISIS-inspired attack on Election Day. Tawhedi entered the country via a Special Immigrant Visa following the administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan in September 2021. During his stay in the U.S., he procured firearms and ammunition while planning to relocate his family overseas.

This case is not isolated. In June, six Tajik nationals were arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for planning a terrorist bombing after crossing the southern border undetected by CBP's screening processes.

The backlog in immigration courts has led CBP to adopt expedited screening methods like the CBP One app, aimed at quickly processing migrants but raising concerns about due diligence and public safety.

Advocates stress that immigration remains integral to America's identity but emphasize that it must be conducted legally and safely. Efforts continue in Congress to address these issues through measures like completing border walls and enhancing resources for border patrol agents.

"Border security is national security," states one congressional representative committed to finding solutions that balance curbing illegal migration with maintaining sovereignty.