(Headline USA) The Biden administration revealed this week that it might allow 11 illegal immigrants who survived a botched human smuggling attempt into the country to remain in the U.S. legally, according to a House Democrat.
“[The Department of Homeland Security] is looking into the potential applicability of T and U visas for the survivors,” said Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas.
“These visas provide victims of human trafficking and other crimes with protections from deportation and help law enforcement prosecute those responsible.”
This morning, I joined my colleagues in the @HispanicCaucus to speak with @SecMayorkas about what DHS is doing to help the victims of the human smuggling tragedy in San Antonio and their families. (1/3)
— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) July 14, 2022
The illegal immigrants were found in a trucking rig last month where more than 70 victims had been crammed into the trailer. The horrific conditions, including the lack of ventilation and air conditioning, caused many of the migrants to die. Twenty-six of the 53 migrants who were found dead had died of heat and exhaustion, according to authorities.
Republicans and Democrats both blasted the incident as a tragedy, with Republicans demanding that the Biden administration do more to crack down on human trafficking and smugglers who take advantage of loose immigration enforcement.
However, the Biden administration appears prepared to do the exact opposite. The potential visas for the illegal immigrants offer varying degrees of protection, including from deportation.
The T visa is for victims of “severe human trafficking” and allows holders an initial legal stay in the U.S. for up to four years, with a pathway to permanent residency. And the U visa is for victims of crime who are willing to help law enforcement prosecute other criminals.
