As the Biden administration continues to face criticism for its handling of immigration, a contentious issue has emerged. Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ) has raised a shocking comparison that may leave many Americans astounded.
In a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing conducted Wednesday, Lesko grilled Joe Biden’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra over the perceived discrepancies in the vetting processes for Unaccompanied Alien Children (UACs) sponsors and those wanting to adopt a dog or cat in the nation’s capital. Lesko argued that those seeking to become sponsors for UACs are not subjected to even the same level of scrutiny as potential pet owners.
WATCH me question the Biden Administration about funneling children into homes where the children are abused.
It’s alarming that in many cases, dogs and cats looking for foster homes have more protection than CHILDREN. This is MADNESS! pic.twitter.com/SXuOYYbWQL
— Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (@RepDLesko) July 26, 2023
“Secretary Becerra, does the Office of Refugee Resettlement inspect the homes of 100 percent of the prospective UAC sponsors?” Lesko asked during the heated exchange. Becerra’s vague response, stating that HHS undertakes “a thorough vetting process of any sponsors,” added fuel to Lesko’s accusations.
Despite repeated attempts to get a straight answer, Lesko’s question remained unanswered. “Do you, yes or no — 100 percent of the UAC sponsors, sir, inspect the homes of the unaccompanied children proposed sponsors?” Becerra’s lack of a clear response could only be interpreted by Lesko as a “no.”
If true, this raises a profound question: Why are pet adoption centers conducting more rigorous checks on prospective pet parents than the federal government is on adults hoping to sponsor unaccompanied minors? This comparison, as pointed out by Rep. Lesko, is alarming.
Lesko then directed Becerra’s attention to a troubling report. A few months ago, a Florida grand jury found instances where numerous UACs were released to a single adult sponsor. As Lesko pointed out, “Mr. Becerra, if you are vetting these sponsors so great, how come, according to the Florida statewide grand jury documents, one single family in Austin, Texas had more than 100 children sent to it by ORR. Another Texas address had 34 children, a third had 25.”
These revelations should undoubtedly concern all Americans. Our current administration must account for these glaring discrepancies. After all, each UAC is a human being who deserves at least the same protection and thoroughness given to rescue animals in Washington, DC.
Furthermore, Lesko challenged the idea that the HHS has a different authority than state foster programs regarding vetting and tracking children they release to sponsors. “You do have the authority,” Lesko said, emphasizing the federal government’s responsibility to protect these vulnerable children.
Under the Biden administration, a significant surge in the number of UACs arriving at the border has been recorded. With such a sharp increase, comprehensive vetting procedures for potential sponsors become paramount.
