Two reports released by the Center for Immigration Studies
examine the role of immigration control in our efforts to prevent further terrorist
attacks on American soil. Both point to the profound security challenges posed by a
federal government policy of mass immigration and lax enforcement of the law.
The first paper, "Immigration and Terrorism: Moving Beyond the 9/11 Staff Report on
Terrorist Travel," illustrates how 94 Islamist terrorists used the immigration system
to infiltrate and embed in the United States. The author is Janice L. Kephart, counsel for
the 9/11 Commission and an author of the Commission staff's report on terrorist travel.
Other than the 9/11 hijackers included in the study, almost all of the terrorists examined
have been indicted or convicted for their crimes. The report builds on prior work done by
9/11 Commission and the Center for Immigration Studies, providing more information than
has been previously been made public.
The report highlights the danger of our lax immigration system, not just in terms of who
is allowed in, but also how terrorists, once in the country, used weaknesses in the system
to remain here. It makes clear that strict enforcement of immigration law - at American
consulates overseas, at ports of entry, and within the United States - must be an integral
part of our efforts to prevent future attacks on U.S. soil.
Among the findings:
Of the 94 foreign-born terrorists who operated in the United States, the study found that
about two-thirds (59) committed immigration fraud prior to or in conjunction with taking
part in terrorist activity.
Of the 59 terrorists who violated the law, many committed multiple immigration violations
- 79 instances in all.
Temporary visas were a common means of entering; 18 terrorists had student visas and
another four had applications approved to study in the United States. At least 17
terrorists used a visitor visa - either tourist (B2) or business (B1).
There were 11 instances of passport fraud and ten instances of visa fraud; in total, 34
individuals were charged with making false statements to immigration officials.
In at least 13 instances, terrorists overstayed their temporary visas.
In 17 instances, terrorists claimed to lack proper travel documents and applied for
asylum, often at a port of entry.
Fraud was used not only to gain entry into the United States, but also to remain, or
"embed," in the country.
Seven terrorists were indicted for acquiring or using various forms of fake
identification, including driver's licenses, birth certificates, Social Security cards,
and immigration arrival records.
Once in the United States, 23 terrorists became legal permanent residents, often by
marrying an American. There were at least nine sham marriages.
In total, 21 foreign terrorists became naturalized U.S. citizens |
