Immigration Policies Under Fire: A Clash in Congress

A heated debate unfolded in Congress as Kristi Noem, the head of homeland security, faced tough questions about the Trump administration's strict immigration policies. Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee were not holding back. They grilled Noem about the recent surge in immigration enforcement and reports of innocent people getting caught in the crossfire. One of the biggest points of contention was the case of an Afghan national who was granted asylum and later accused of shooting two National Guard members. Representative Bennie Thompson from Mississippi wanted to know who approved the asylum application. Noem insisted that the vetting happened under the Biden administration, not her watch. The tension escalated when Representative Shri Thanedar from Michigan bluntly asked Noem if she would step down. Noem, unfazed, took it as a compliment, saying it was an endorsement of her work. The room was electric, with strong words flying back and forth. This hearing is happening at a crucial time for immigration policy. The Trump administration is cracking down hard on undocumented immigrants. Since the shooting, they've made some big changes to the legal immigration system. Afghans can't get visas anymore, and asylum applications are on hold. They're even reviewing over 50, 000 asylum cases approved under Biden. Things are getting tougher for immigrants. Green card interviews and naturalization ceremonies are being canceled without much explanation. In October, the administration slashed the number of refugees allowed in the country. They set the cap at 7, 500, way down from the 125, 000 under Biden. And they're giving priority to a specific group: white Afrikaner South Africans. Immigration lawyers are feeling the heat too. Their clients are facing delays and cancellations, leaving many in limbo. The administration is also re-examining asylum applications from countries on the travel ban list. It's a lot of changes, and not everyone is happy about it.