Fact Check: The U.S. has a history of vetting immigrants for national security.

Fact Check: The U.S. has a history of vetting immigrants for national security

What We Know

The claim that the U.S. has a history of vetting immigrants for national security is supported by various official statements and policies. The U.S. government has long maintained that national security is a priority in its immigration processes. For instance, a proclamation by former President Donald Trump emphasized that it is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks and other national security threats. This policy includes rigorous screening and vetting protocols associated with visa adjudications to detect foreign nationals who may pose a threat (source-1).

Additionally, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has stated its commitment to ensuring national security by addressing vulnerabilities in immigration policies and assisting enforcement agencies in identifying and removing illegal aliens (source-2). The State Department has also reinforced that every visa adjudication is a national security decision, utilizing all available information to identify applicants who may be inadmissible due to national security concerns (source-3).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is substantial and comes from credible government sources. The proclamation by President Trump outlines specific measures taken to enhance vetting processes, including the identification of countries with inadequate screening protocols and the implementation of restrictions on nationals from those countries (source-1). This indicates a systematic approach to vetting immigrants based on national security considerations.

Moreover, the USCIS has publicly committed to improving national security through its immigration policies, which further supports the claim that vetting for national security is a historical and ongoing practice in the U.S. (source-2). The State Department's announcement regarding expanded screening and vetting for visa applicants also highlights the proactive measures being taken to ensure that visa applicants do not pose a threat to national security (source-3).

While the sources cited are from official government communications, it is important to recognize that they may reflect the political priorities of the administration at the time. However, the continuity of these practices across different administrations suggests a broader commitment to national security in immigration processes.

Conclusion

The claim that the U.S. has a history of vetting immigrants for national security is True. The evidence indicates that the U.S. government has consistently implemented policies and procedures aimed at screening and vetting immigrants to protect national security. This includes formal proclamations, agency commitments, and systematic vetting processes that have been in place for years.

Sources

1. Restricting The Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States ...
2. First 100 Days: USCIS Delivering on Making America Safe Again
3. Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants
4. PDF Continuous Immigration Vetting - Homeland Security
5. Executive Order on National Security and Immigration Vetting