DHS Says 500 MS-13 Members Abused Child Visa Program, Including 120 With Murder Arrests
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 3
DHS Says 500 MS-13 Members Abused Child Visa Program, Including 120 With Murder Arrests
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 3
Summary
A USCIS fraud review covering fiscal 2013-2025 found thousands of illegal migrants exploited the Special Immigrant Juvenile program, which can lead to green cards and eventual citizenship.
At least 120 beneficiaries had murder arrest records, 200 approved petitioners were convicted sex offenders, and more than 500 were known or suspected MS-13 members, according to DHS.
The report cites approved applicants tied to severe crimes, including a New York MS-13 leader linked to eight murders and a Massachusetts suspect whose SIJ petition was approved after a deadly drive-by shooting.
DHS says the program is vulnerable because state family judges often grant dependency orders with little vetting, while USCIS cannot access juvenile criminal records to screen applicants.
Officials and outside analysts urged Congress to tighten SIJ eligibility and background-check rules, arguing the flaws divert protection from genuinely vulnerable children.
With thousands of criminals exploiting a youth visa, what is being done to find those already here?
Why are state courts greenlighting gang members for a youth protection program meant for abuse victims?
Over 850 Gang Members Exploited SIJ Program: National Security Risks, Policy Failures, and the Struggle to Protect Vulnerable Youth
Overview
The Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) program, created by Congress in 1990 to help young people who cannot reunite with their parents due to abuse or neglect, is now under scrutiny for serious abuse. The program’s legal framework does not require criminal background checks or proof of good moral character, making it vulnerable to exploitation by individuals with criminal intentions. Recent cases, including a 19-year-old suspected of planning a terror attack who applied for SIJ status, highlight how these loopholes can be used by dangerous individuals. These revelations raise urgent concerns about public safety and the need for stronger safeguards.