committee has highlighted some of these deficiencies. for instance we know in 2015 the fbi director made statements about the inability of law enforcement officials to properly that applicants for refugee status those officials acknowledged that state and local consultations to the refugee resettlement process has not been as robust as needed in all cases. in fact, i have been approached regarding this issue they are concerned about the localities represented that simply wanted to resettle as many refugees as possible with the issue of fraud i am pleased we have the gao here to discuss to report on this issue one of which highlights potential fraud.

these issues i have mentioned lead me to introduce the refugee program integrity restoration act of 2017. into place that where it should be in congress also the states and localities should have a true state whether theyn can resettle refugees to detect fraud or reduce national security concerns. i know this past tuesday marked thees end of the suspension of executive order. and i know that department of against screening with refugee applicants with that adjudication m process but

that previous administration said in response to any security related questions the serb refugees were the mostriue vetted but even after never understood by the administration thought simply because they were the most vetted that it was sufficient but it seems within months of taking over they have identified several areas in which it could be improved and i appreciate the attention to security concerns and the steps taken i look forward to the testimony of the witnesses and i yield back the of balance of my time i now recognize our ranking member for an opening statement. >> my highest priority is protecting our national security. this presents an opportunity toto examine a threat to that

security with the entire refugee agenda. he is characterized immigrantss in generally and refugees as bad actors benton harming americans the odds of an american being killed in a terrorist attack by refugee or one out of 3 billion buck the odds is struck by lightning one in 700,000. it is a refugee's undermining the nation's security but mr. trump's radical restriction on their ignition m with multiple bands and to be imposed at global displacement to be record high in the failure of leadership in the world to identify those ways these policies undermine our safety by substantially

lowering refugee of missions to project an time muslim a former ambassador to iraq and afghanistan put it this way. those who stand against refugee resettlement say they're putting the nation at greater risk by influencing the islamic state merited so in other words, donald trump's actions galvanized individuals instigating terrorist attacks against americans they damage with key allies the vhs secretary under george to be bush warned of the implications for the iraqi allies 60,000 await resettlement in america many of their lives

are risk because of their assistants to the american military and state department the yet fiscal year 2018 ceiling means only a smallan portion will be resettled by turning their back presidentec trump discourages them as well as other parties from helping the united states with anti-terrorist initiatives proposed such national security consequences are so significant white house aides appeared to deliberately marginalized the national security agency's to push through the record low caps cutting now that terrorism center in keeping the stake holders resettlementng

those who stated he suppressed evidence important to consider to determine the refugee numbers national security interest. it gives the i appearance the trump administration will prioritize the entire refugee agenda over the safety of the american people of course, my colleagues' support those betting measures we have no higher duty and protecting the american people but to view that refugee vetting procedure as a backdoor muslim they and after all federal court said it is against the national security objectives they do more security that is why past

presidents will alboin contrary to this administration with numerous studies show they enhance the economy even as study was produced turvey administration to repress it to make an economic contribution of $63 billion the study found refugees are more likely to become entrepreneurs to create jobs for american workers and in my own district refugees have enriched our community i am deeply troubled with the disconnect of the o rhetoric and reality of today's hearing will show a greater regard for the truth really to the american people to show how these anti-a refugee policies make all of us less safe but also

the wind day enter our country they have constitutional rights that must we respected i am sure we will explore that further during the course of the hearing and i yield back seven mb to recognize the full committee chairman for his opening statement. >> i appreciate you holding this hearing today on this issue with this outstanding panel of witnesses. the united states has a generous refugee program providing millions to flee persecution with safe haven. we resettled e4994 refugees last fiscal year 53,716 refugees. and while we should continue that tradition it has become clear policies have been

abused and need reform. the refugee act of 1980 created the current process that the president said the annual limits that the united states can resettle sold to be considered who is admissible or to become permanent lawful resident status putting in place of federal government to work through non-governmental agencies to resettle refugees but 37 years later voicing a growing number of concerns how many and the process the refugees are admitted to the united states as well as what happens once they are admitted that the federal government has done little to respect to those concerns with the state or locality expressed a concern the administration simply repeated the sound bite they

undergo the most rigorous background checks that ignored the concerns of several security officials live there is no information regarding a potential refugee then no derogatory information will show what and in ministates the refugees are imbedded, there is no reliable information we know over 300 individuals actively investigated by the fbi came to the united states as refugees and at least two of the 10 attacks from september 11 were perpetrated by individuals to enter the united states as refugees in addition into security concerns with the

costa of refugee resettlement or lack of compliance and opportunities the prior administration and did little in response the federal government has the right to resettle refugees across america. so while that may be true it is not necessarily the best practice. many resettlement organizations to necessary work but to the these decisions to the administration feeds' opposition on though whole purport of the job administration has addressed some of the concerns for instance i was happy to see executive order signed to recognize the problem with lack of state and local consultation prior to resettlement and asking to devise a plan to involve the

states in the plan the same executive order required a review of refugee processing for what improvements could be made and then implement those improvements i live for hearing how the department of homeless in security health and human services working together to improve the entire program from referral to post resettlement it can remain a viable part of u.s. immigration policy for a high-yield back. >> i now recognize mr. conyers for his opening statement. >> t good morning. over the course of today's hearing with the united states refugee emissions program there are several factorsev i want our witnesses

and members to consider. it is incontrovertible the united states since its founding has been a nation of immigrants and in recognition of that fact with the value that they contribute to the collective well-being has provided safe harbor for the persecuted. so those that have championed the refugee resettlement for example, the emissions averaged 94,000 since the refugee act of 1980 making america the world's

and just one year ago the cab was increased at 110,000 in response to the global humanitarian crisis from the wars and unstableun political environments. and unfortunately that administration abandons america's bipartisan decision per probe of president trump issued a series of bands fiscal year 2018 ceiling of the lowest of modern history in terms of per-capita refugee resettlement ranking with eight other nations under these circumstances they be

in the face of our country's values but at a time when the worldwide refugee level has soared to the highest in history this is unconscionable and worst yet the justification for its actions are baseless they say it poses a security threat. needless to say democrats stand committed to rigorous refuge the r vetting. but both parties agree it is the absence of robust resettlement that truly undermines america's safety. by slashing refugee of missions president trump

goes against the ongoing fight against terrorism to strengthen the isis recruitment. the administration also claims refugees failed to assimilate with public resources however the facts are otherwise. an internal study by a health and human o services are pressed by the administration shows that refugees contributed a net positive $63 billion to the united states over a 10 year period. in other words, it is sent refugees but the president's restrictions of their admissions that taps the coffers so some are just not

tens of thousands of refugees they don't is violate core american values a but they we can our national security damage the economy up against the nation's core values that they eggs the question was really fuel such policies? so that appears to be a combination or perhaps a volatile bigotry from many organizations designated by the law center as hate groups with those documented links to the white nationalist. this administration has even proposed refugee

assimilation test. such as those seen a phobic members. which restricted immigration like that 1924ct act and in closing to examine these policies tend to assess to endanger our values sorry economy or even hour national security for for a look forward to your testimony and i yield back.

>> of thee record. >> if we had unanimous consent with that refugee assistanceti project and with the cater institute and of a letter to the acting secretary from over 100 organizations. in addition to many others. >> without objection. >> today we have a distinguished panel those statements will be entered into the record in its entirety i ask you summarized your testimony five minutes or less there

is a light on your table when it switchesmo from green to yellow you have one minute to conclude when it turns red your five minutes has expired please stand to be sworn in. >> do you swear the testimony you're about to give is the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the t truth? let the record reflect these witnesses answered in the affirmative. please be seated mr. simon -- simon henshaw has been serving at the department of state since july 15th 2017 previously serving as director of the indian affairs and the state department's bureau from the embassy in honduras and

several other capacities at the state department attending the national war college and has a bachelor of arts in history from the history of massachusetts the director of u.s. citizenship and immigration services serving as the director of immigration policy as the acting director of border security policy of the d.h. us office of policy before serving at the headquarters working at the of office as chief counsel in the adjudications receiving his degree from georgetown with the master's degree from

columbia and a bachelor's degree in physics and political science from the massachusetts institute of technology.ed >> the director of office of refugee resettlement previously working as an attorney in the public policy office before joining he worked and private practice hhs on capitol hill receiving his undergraduate at james madison university earning hisdi j.d. at the columbus school of law. miss gamblers director from the gao home in security where she leaves the work on border security joining gao in 2002 of prior she worked at the national endowment for democracy international

forum for internationalti studies in is from the naval war college with international relations from syracuse and in political science i now recognize mr. hentoff for his statement. >> thank you very much for holding this hearing on the refugee additions program. >> so with the department of common security hhs and gao, to gather the department of state and hhs plan to bring 45,000 refugees to the united states t fiscal year 2018.

the security and welfare of the american people is this administration's top priority to institute additional procedures with that adjudication to strengthen the system and continue to find ways to protect the american people we are committed to detect fraud and we will continue security measures with threats to the national security fyi 2018 to settle than any other country we will continue to the most vulnerable that have been persecuted because of race or religion or nationality or a social group or political opinion since 1925

more than 3.4 million refugees through the assistance program the united states demonstrates the most full the role of the world's refugees row keeping americans say from our reporting to deny this statesss commission there a 65.six people better displaced in the world and those that are refugees. so to focus on those three durable solutions repatriation and resettlement to a third country united states recognizes that most look for voluntary return to their homeland and we share their priority to facilitate

the repatriation from safety andd dignity. in 2,016,552,000 voluntarily were repatriated for go for those who are unable to return safely to their home country the united states for its effort to become self-sufficient and locally integratete for a they encourage host governments to allow them to integrate into local communities to enhance self reliance with social services. and for those to integrate e then while waiting for repatriation those who could not return home safely or integratey to provide

protection the vetting process is managed by vhs including participation of the fbi and intelligence community including the national counterterrorism to have the authority to refuse refugees poured mission in response to executive order protecting from forced entry refugee admissions were suspended at 120 day period with certain exceptions for preparing this period with the office of the director of national intelligence previewed and enhance the security screening for refugees for could discourage me with the potential for higher risk.

so refugees should become economically self-sufficient as quickly as possible. the department of state works domestically to assure the refugees receive services during the first 90 days after a rival so during and after the resettlement period vhs office provides technical assistance and funding is to stay the district of columbia and nonprofit organizations to be interpreted aisle a foreword to responding to your questions. >> you're now recognized for five minutes.. >> thank you chairman and to the rankingom members i am the director of u.s. citizenship

and immigration services for crime glad to have this opportunity to discuss this role with the admission and process them looking forward to meet with you individually to work together to improve the immigration system. this is my first opportunity to address any capacity as director want to let you know, so the word that we do i made it clear to the leadershipn team so a efficiency this makes it imperative that efficiency is a key goal. moving from antiquated paper based process rollout was to process applications in the integrated way fairness and

transparencyat to massive data requested is essential to the question of fairness under my leadership i i am providing accurate and complete information to the public whether the general petitioners. so we will demonstrate our promise and lawfulness everything we accordance with the law. too often noble i intentions createmv policies and programs that are second - - circumvented or contradict those laws for everything that we do will always be an agreement with are lot. said to be assured day are applied including the topic of today's hearing and they're prepared to work closely to support the refugees admonition program

but the same time to improve the integrity of the program and national-security. on march 6 present trump issued executive order called protecting into the united states that it is the policy of the and a distaste to protect the citizens from terroristng attacks including those committed by foreign nationals for pro ball executive order has been a subject to litigation we have worked collectively to strengthen the integrity of the u.s. -- refugee program. pursuant to a that in beijing and a 120 day process of like to share this review as a result the federal government is implementing

enhancements to raise the bar including enhancing the of collection of biometric information better information sharing and new training procedures to detect fraud and deception recognizing that it has served its purpose the president issued a new executive order ending the suspension directing state and vhs to resume the process while vhs states and are adequate to resume admissions from 11 countries imposing a higher risk to the united states.

but on the case by case basis on a 90 review period. some of individual refused and those are part of that initiative they will continue a to louis be evaluated. with those intelligence community's. and their well coordinated. >> and that the backlog uscis is looking at a backlog of 300,000 cases. >>.

>> to the chairman in the ranking member and members of the subcommittee thank you for inviting me to discuss aid to just responsibilities to help for fiji's resettle. i am debt director of office resettlement i oversee the programs of populations to give them support and services to become integrated members of society. describe with upcoming initiatives and additions to refugees with visa holders are eligible for services to help them become successful all assimilative members of society.

as those that our eligible their resettlement services. than to be administered by state governments with database groups and public-private partnerships. please provide medical assistance to those newly arrived refugees to facilitate those refugees to assimilation and with that medical assistance and that is administered to provide this assistance with up to

eight months after their arrival in the united states. other then that refugee cash assistance program. and within the first four months to provide services and to have day cash assistance and then to participate in a matching grant into that self-sufficiency with that matching grant program 35,000 refugees with the special immigrant visa holders and that is approximately 84% for refugees at 180 days after

rival. an employment services and social adjustment services that is tied to their prior year of a rifle after the initial zero resettlement. and with those qualifying counties those services are designed to help secure employment that also supports economicpr activities focusing on financial literacy in support of housing purchases and with the startups that employ thousands. that is committed to

achieving excellence it is redoubling its efforts to obtain that outcome with evidence based decision making to engage in the initiative of paul refugees are integrated into the united states or awarded the contracts. we are working to approve that methodology to show that data and that is an indicator of refugees success and in addition from the state and local service providers. and reporting those outcomes

that committees outcome with the refugee resettlement program thank you for that opportunity i amti happy to answer any questions. >>. >> o good morning ranking member and members of the subcommittee and i appreciate the opportunity to justify to discuss the work to be resettled in the united states with 85,000 refugees and 50,000 fiscal year 2017 the question has been raised of the adequacy and the extent to which it may be foldable to fraud so issued earlier this your we overseee end implemented the admissions program as well as efforts to identify and t address potential fraud in

the program. so that findings and recommendations in three areas our policies and procedures and forsaw policies andug procedures for adjudicating efforts and a trust of progress. and with the support centers have policies and procedures to processo referrals and applications to the unitedle states that includes requirements to conduct free screening interviews and obtained information into cds act other refugees support centers. and then to affect the center's performance with the prescreening activities to be s recommended that the state concurred.

and with thatud adjudication to do on audit work we also find a provided training and that they could improve traininge but and with that adjudicated applications on a temporary basis. and we recommend they provide additionalai training and they have since done so. it has not looking at the quality a of refugees adjudication to make sure the files are complete or that they are well documented nor sufficient. so they conduct regular quality assurance

assessments but finally the state has procedures to mitigate fraud risk to improve their efforts. since it has occurred in exchange for promises of expedited promising. and then to achieve broad and with african at --- applicant fraud with the resettlement. programs and to have those mechanisms so did not join the show babette's they did not have comprehensive informationrm on risk to affect the integrity of the process.

so without processing center to use them to look at the existing fraud controls also to conduct joint fraud assessments of the program and they concur with thesese recommendations so given the consequences of the outcomes of decisions can have on the safety and security of the populations it is a board to discover that have the effective process to allow for resettlement of applicants with malicious intent to gain entry to the country this completes my prepared statement i'm happy to answer any questions. >> we will now proceed to a five minute rule with questions. >> simon henshaw entering

into an agreement in australia they have refused to resettle many are from countries have national security concerns when this committee inquired we were told those classified. they indicated then deal would resettle a small number of individuals don't you agree the american a people of her right to know the details of that agreement? . . . . unable to declassify it -- >> why is that? >> sir, the original report was classified by the australians and we have an agreement with the australians that if the classify a report, it's classified under our system.

>> so will you notice support the classification of the agreement? can you identify a wayne to -- we're talk about an agreement that fakes the lives of american people, not -- not the australian people. so, how do we let our people know what is in the agreement and what we're doing? >> i will continue to work towards the declassifying the report, sir. believe that most of the information in the report is already in the public domain. >> but we need to know from the government, not what has been leaked to the press. want testimony on what exactly we agreed to with the australians. will you notice doing that? >> i will commit to continuing to work to declassify the information, sir. >> can you please explain the role of the rscs in the refugee program. >> yes, sir. we use urcs to enter the

original data on refugees who are -- we are considering for resettlement in the united states. we do some early interviewing, but to collect data, biographical data and information from them so it become later used by dhs and so we can enter into into our -- >> what type -- >> security system so security reviews can be carry out. >> what types of fraud have occurred at the rsc level? >> i'm not prepared to give full details. i just don't have it with me on fraud. but -- >> didn't you know you were coming to testify about this program? >> yes. >> why are you not prepared? >> i can give you some examples if you would like, sir. we have had a couple cases where

-- where people have, um, -- we have had couple cases where people have, um, attempted to portray their information incorrectly to rsd members but in all cases that i'm aware -- >> i would like to see report of what kind of fraud? i thought that what's purpose of this hearing and i'm a little bit dumb found we don't have that information. so i would like to know. that's what we're trying figure out, what is happening with this program and i would like that information. mr. cissna, can you explain why the decision was made to concentrate on asylum cases as opposed to refugee cases this fies stall -- fiscal year? >> is a started to say earlier but ran out of time. >> yes. >> uscis is facing a backlog of

300,000 asylum cases. the asylum work we do is complimentary to the refugee work. all vulnerable populations, people seeking relief under the same standard. the backlog is untenable. account have that backlog persist because people are going years potentially waiting for a court date to have their benefits adjudicated. we want to divert resources from refugee processing to the asylum backlog. >> just trying to help with the backlog. it's not something nefarious that you're trying to hurt people. actually trying to help people. >> no. we want to help them. >> thank you. the previous administration consistently told us that refugees underwelt the most regular rouse vetting of nye immigrant. but you're note says several ways to improvement the process have been identified. apparently that's been news to the previous administration. can you explain what some of to the hole nets process were and what changes have been made?

>> well. >> kickly. >> wouldn't call them holes the process wes have had in place could have been improved. some things we're doing, enhancing and increasing the types of information we collect from people. we're checking -- improving ore interview process and rooting out fraud and determine credibility, and finally, the types of checks we're doing on people are being expanded and enhanced to ensure we get the most possible value from those types of investigations. >> thank you very mump. i neck rex nice the gentle latey from cast. >> thank you, mr. chairman. can't help but note that yesterday we market up a bill that would allow hundreds of thousands, maybe even millions, of workers paid subminimum wage come into the u.s. with no vetting whatsoever. so if i were a potential terrorist i think i might look at that route instead of the

extensive route your describing. >> know how to do it. >> moving right along, i'd like to ask you, mr. lloyd, about policies relative to the rights of asylees in your custody. know we're all aware that the so-called jane doe 17-year-old immigrant woman in orr custody was blocked from accessing an abortion and forced to continue a pregnancy against her will. she is a minor, but a court had decided that she had the maturity to make the decision on her own, and yet she continued to be blocked from this constitutionally protected

health care. she was not asking the government to pay for care or transport her to a doctor, just to get out of the facility so that she could access a constitutional right that she had. to terminate her pregnancy. obviously as a 17-year-old she could not legally consent to the -- i don't know whether she was violently raped or it was a product of statutory rape. she was finally released because a court did intervene. i'd like to did you about your general belief about the rights of women and girls who are in orr's custody. do you believe that women and girls in your custody have a constitutional rights like other people who are in america, or do you think that constitutional

rights, for example, to due process and privacy, depend on immigration status? >> i think anybody in -- you're referring to the inaccompanied children program and we provide -- through the country -- anybody who comes into the united states comes with a potential to become a full u.s. citizen with full rights to all the freedoms we enjoy, including the freedom to move freely and right to bear arms and vote and others. but that's always subject to a process, whether it's -- if they come through as a uac or some other means, it's a process where as the person moves through the process, then they gain additional -- >> let me interrupt. the due process clause applies 0 everybody who is here. i believe.

that's what i learned in law school. that's what the case law seems to say. do you agree with that or not? >> due due process clause does, yes. >> let in ask you, moving forward this "washington post" reports -- we don't know if this or true or not which is why i'm asking you -- that suggested that you have personally intervened to try and persuade minors not to have abortions. i would like to know, did you have direct contact with the young woman in this case that was in the paper? do you have direct contact with other pregnant girl inside the care of orr? and do you have any medical training? >> well, forgive me but some of the answers to the questions you're asking are -- my ability to answer them fully are really limited by a number of factors,

including the court orders and also our duty to protect the individual -- >> i'm not asking for a name. have you ever contacted any anonymous young girl in your care, trying to talk her out of having an abortion? >> as the director, i run the uac program, the repatriation program ask the refugee reset.ment program and i'm out in the field in many of our locations and meet with dozens and even perhaps hundreds of the people who we serve, the populations we serve, and so among them i'm certain some were pregnant at the time. >> i'm disturbed you won't answer the question. my time has expired. >> thank you. the chair will now recognize the gentleman from iowa. thank you. >> thank you, i think theguard

testimony. listen to the dialogue here, i'd say first that what has been created by that decision of the unelected judge is an unconditional right to an abortion to a minor who can sneak into united states and is still subject to deportation of the deportation. she that the trying go back to her country willingly and subject herself to the lives her own country. this is a terrible precedent set by this judge and i hope that this whole judiciary committee one day soon addresses the rogue judges we have in this country and this includes judge watson in hawai'i, and the judge in washington, that seemed to be the venue shopping people that decide they're going to challenge the statutes of the united states, duly pass bid the united states congress, and signed into law by the profiter the united states, and for them to turn that completely upside-down and so i'd like to

turn first to mr. sis narks with regard to that, and there's been discussion about the executive orders, and i'd expand it to the challenges to the executive orders in the courts and i read the statute and don't have enemy front of me but it's very clear, congress granted the president the authority to determine who comes and who goes from the united states of america with the security interest of america in mind, and it doesn't say that a judge anywhere can look over his shoulder and determine that his judgment is flawed their judgment is superior. i'd ask if you have any pins on the statute after i expressed mine, mr. cissna. >> well, with respect to the refugee statutes, section 207 of the immigration act, it's pretty clear that the authority to let refugees in is totally discretionary. the weird using to restart the program after the suspension was lifted comply with and that the types of checks we're doing, all those thing wes dooring that we talk about earlier, are in full compliance with that, believe.

>> you discussed enhance emt biometric collection. can you expand on that? >> i think in answer that question, as with many other questions along those lines i probably wouldn't be able to get into big detail because it's law enforcement sensitivities but i can say that the types of -- the classes of people from whom biometrics will be taken, it is intend, shall be expanded in certain cases. so more people will get -- get biometrics from more people and the types of database against which they're checked will be expand. >> talk fingerprint. >> primarily, yes. >> digital photographs? facial recognition? >> we have always done that. always taken forecasts. >> that's the sum total of the biometrics we're discussing. >> i think in general for now, area, but that doesn't preclude -- >> dna i hope one day. cheap to get and cheap to keep. so that's my recommendation. i'd like to concern to miss

gambler. in your report, some questions came do mind to me, and the u.n. high commission refugees etch does the u.n. u.n. high commission do background check on any of the lists they maintain and pass over to us for potential refugees? >> we can follow up and see what specific information we have on that. congressman king, and get back to you imi know there are under the framework of operation that exists between the department of state and una, i know there is -- there are kind of some speedback loops back anding for on that. we be happy to follow up. >> i appreciate if you could do that, but it would be -- my understanding would be that at this point you're not aware of what background check might be done, if any, by encore? >> yeah. we'll follow up with you on that.

the thigh say is that the u.s. refugee admissions program is designed to be a multistep process and so once referrals are made from unhcr to the department of state, when the got -- >> as far was we know -- as far is a know, the information from uncor doesn't have a background check, simple play file that's passed on to us and takes time for them to move through the file, maybe as long as two years so the background checks we do have that we're relying upon for this uber vetting process that the president described, if there's no legal existence of that individual in their home country, none that can be uncovered by the record, if it comps up empty we stamp them u.s.a. approved and moving them into the country. is that fair? >> government officials have stated that the security checks are reliant on the information that the u.s. government has.

>> if there's none available then we -- mr. chairman, i ask unanimous consent for one more short question. >> without 0,. >> thank you. thank you, mr. chairman. i forgot the question. it was that with vetting process that we have, the lack of biometric wes have, i'm just going to suspend that i don't think it's well enough thought out and i yield back and thank you for your attention. >> thank you, mr. chairman. i yield the time to the ranking member of the subcommittee. -- of the entire committee. >> thank you, mr. chairman. and i appreciate the discussion that has been generated. let me start off by observing that since the trump administration has come into being, briefing requests submitted by democratic member

staff have been repeatedly denied, ignored or delayed. do each of you promise to respect and satisfy the briefing and other requests staffs make from both the republican and democratic members alike? mr. cissna? are you okay with that? >> i'm okay with providing any technical assistance or briefings you want in my agency. >> okay, thank you. mr. lloyd? are you okay with that? >> yes, certainly. >> thank you. mr. henshaw? >> yes, sir. >> okay, fine. i wanted to observe that my district has benefited greatly

from the economic contributions of the refugee community. refugees from around the world live's reside and own businesses in at the detroit area i script and welcome these hard-working refugees and think that my opinion and -- and think that my community is better as a result, and economists have also found that refugees have higher entrepreneurship, make significant contributions to the economy, and on average, pay more than $21,000 in taxes than they receive in benefits. i've got a couple of studies that back it up i'd like consent to include them in the record,

mr. chairman. the new american economy, struggle to resilience as well as the economic and social outcome of refugees in the united states and ski nance consent to enter them interest the record. >> without objection. >> there is general agreement among all of our witnesses that there have been great benefits of these refugees that make communities like mine better as a result? is there a general agreement with that from all of you here this morning?

>> i don't disagree that many read make enormous contributions to our country, yes. >> sure. >> yes, sir. absolutely. >> uh-huh. >> i concur. >> yes. >> all right. >> let me get to the observation raid by mr. lloyd. oh do you think referees -- refugees are doing on the question of assimilating. do you believe refugees are currently assimilating or not assimilating? >> in any question like that, i think it's a case-by-case basis, but that's one of the goals outed our program -- goals of our program, once they arrive in the u.s., we administration especially job placement, english language courses.

that's going to have the -- >> i know it's going to be on a case-by-case basis, but i mean in general, are the -- do you think that the currently assimilation is coming along okay or not? >> generally from from what i've been able to see, i think so yes. >> any other views that anyone wants to recommend on this question that i've asked? >> is assimilation a problem or is it working okay? >> ick get the response? >> you can respond. >> at uscis, we do look at assimilation issues with respect to our citizenship and grantses programs, and with regard to refugees, that's something i think we want to look at more carefully in this fiscal year.

so we want to look at it as well. >> anybody else want to chime in on this? my time has expired but we can answer the question. >> i would just add, sir, we concentrate on self-sufficiency and have good results in many refugees becoming self-sufficient and contributing to society america. >> good. thank you. >> the gentleman's time has shared. >> may i ask for unanimous consent to put in the record from 24 national and state-based religious groups opposing oppose obstructive policy on abortion. >> without ox. >> i recognize the ya from louisiana for five minutes. >> thank you, mr. chairman. director cissna, prior to now, what information was not being shared between state and dhs that is now going to be shared tone hans the safety of the refugee program? >> i think that would squarely

fall win the universe of law enforcement sensitivities that i don't feel comfortable discussing in open forum. >> fair enough. can you explain to the committee how the department of homeland security's modified the training of dhs refugee officers to account for serious and potential threat of bad actors who try to abuse the refugee program. >> historically the training of refugee officers have been robust, weeks and weeks training that all adjudicators have and then five or six weeks on top of that and then country, specific training that focuses on fraud and other country conditions. in the wake of the working group that implemented the executive order we're going to further increase and improve training so the officers are able to even better assess credibility, which is the key element in interview thing people, and determining whether the person is

inadmissible under the law. so times they have criminal offenses or other thing that make them inned a missable and we're trying to train our adjudicators to make better assessments of that. >> do you think now would be a good time to review the asylum standards? meaning that would it be wise for congress to tighten the standard tore credible fear determination to ensure our system is not abused and specially in light of this back lo of 300,000 cases? >> i do. i think that -- this is actually one of the immigration priorities the administration advanced two weeks ago or so. one of the many thing wes proverred was that the congress exam that exact issue. think the question would be whether the credible fear standard is actually -- is clear enough to be implemented properly, and i don't think it is. think it could be clarified so that those assessmented are meat bidder the people would don't neat the standard are weeded

out. >> i'm glad to hear you say that. we have been working on legislation to help that. miss gambler, can you speak to the fraud at the resellment support centers? mr. henshaw didn't quite ain't completely. what's your thought on that. >> yes, as part of our odd work we did identify that wail infrequent there were some cases of fraud that occurred at the rses so we give some examples in our report. in one okay, staff were soliciting bribes on promise of being able to help expedite applications. there was another case in which interpreters were seeking bribes as well. to state's credit and rv crazy credit in response to those instance office fraud, they did take action to respond and strengthen fish processes but there have been some cases of fraud related to rscs.

>> thank you. mr. henshaw, back to you the u.s. consistently admits per year vastly more unhcr referred third country reselled refugee than any other country any world. what diplomatic pressure or other incentivizing measures are being used to push other countries to admit more refugee inside. >> we participate in worldwide meetings of risk countries and push other countries to take additional refugees. we use that in diplomatic meetings, humanitarian meet examination other meeting around the world to urge other countries. we have also pushed countries that haven't been in the resettlement business before to get into that business. one of the alternatives that we have push for country that aren't regular resettlement countries is to look for alternative methods for people to enter their countries, on working visas or such.

>> refugees are proofedded loans to cover the cost of travel to u.s. and funding is provide bed your agency eye. curious to know about the loan repayment rate and if you have steps to ensure prompt repayment of loans. >> repayment late is very high. differs among populations, but it's generally well over 75% and with many populations, significantly over that and we continue to look for ways to improve payment of those loans -- repayment of those loans. >> i have a -- 15 second. what are the repercussions to refugees who don't pay back the loan, that 25%? >> i believe itself affects their credit rating but i would have to get back to you on the other details how it affects them. >> would you geoff us that information? >> i can do that. >> thank you. yield back. >> thank you issue yield to the gentle lady from washington. >> thank you, mr. chairman. let me pick up on the questions of our ranking member of the

subcommittee, miss lofgren. mr. lloyd, do you believe that a woman's constitutional right toberg depends on her immigration status? >> i think the -- any entrant into the united states -- it's a yes or no question, mr. lloyd. do you believe that a woman's constitutional right to abortion don't her immigration status, yes or no? >> a number of rights -- >> that is not a yes or no answer. >> my answer is any number of rights depend on where they stand in terms of our immigration system. >> i do not understand that answer. is that a yes or a no? i'll take that as a no. so, do you believe that immigrants have constitutional rights? >> once again, ma'am, if somebody wants to come into the -- >> i'll take that as a no.

mr. lloyd do you have medical training of any kind? >> i -- if i needed a vice regarding any medical situation regarding any population i serve i consult the medical -- >> the answer is no, you don't have medical train offering any kind. >> no, i don't. >> are you trained to provide counseling services to young people, mr. lloyd? >> again, if counseling services are called for, then i rely on the team of counseling professionals to advise me in my role. >> so, mr. lloyd, what expertise makes you qualified in this jane doe case to override the determination of a texas state court that jane doe is mature and competent enough make her own decision? >> i'm not going to comment on any individual case but in any case that comes across the desk, we look at the totality of circumstances that may affect their case, that may include --

may include policy considerations, medical, social welfare considerations, and we have teams of experts and staff who are well quiched -- wish equipped toed a miss me. in terms of what outcome wiz'll come to or what decisions we'll make, it's going to come from a totality of that advice and the facts on the ground. >> mr. lloyd, anybody able to review or override your decision or are you the ultimate decisionmaker with regards to a woman's ability to exercise her constitutional right to abortion? >> the office of refugee reset.ment is situated within the department of health and human services administration for children and family. so i answer to the assistant secretary for children and families and the secretary of health and human services. >> mr. lloyd, is it your intent to block unaccompanied minors from accessing abortion care or

will you instruct providers to deny minors types of reproductive health care like contrasession or information on contraceptive methods? how far is your jurisdiction over this issue extend? >> any circumstances going to depend on the totality of acts that any individual case brings before us, and so it's always going to be a case-by-case determine. >> extremely troubling to me, mr. lloyd, what is happening. think you're far overreaching over your expertise or jurisdiction. mr. henshaw, from the beginning, america has been a refuge for the persecuted and in keeping with our past, with our values, past republican and democratic president as i liked champions refugees and regard the reef program is a core to the nation's identity and in fact, 20 national security leaders, which us henry king king,

michael chartoff, mad line albright wrote that reset. little -- supporting the stability of our allies and partners that are struggling to host large numbers of refugees. and yet this administration has repeatedly and contrary to evidence characterized refugees as frauds, security threats thrd resource drains. so what extent and why do you think this administration's view of refugees is so dramatically different from the long standing bipartisan tradition and fundamental american values? >> security is our utmost concern with any refugee program and we have over the years often reevaluate our program to make sure that the security standards are met and that's what we're doing now. i believe that the current plan to bring in up to 45,000 refugees this year is well within our past history of

refugee numbers, and signifies we're still the leader in refugee resettlement in the united states -- in the world. sorry. >> are in chairman, ask unanimous consent for one more short question. thank you so much. mr. henshaw this, white house has recently released statement of immigration principles, cited a misleading study claiming to show the united states can reset. 12 reef read inside safe zorns near their home countries for the cost of resettling one refugee domestically. are you aware of who performed the study? >> no, i'm not. would just simply say it is always our number one option to resettle people back in the -- voluntarily back in the country from which they fled. >> let me just say and i'll yesterday ball my took the-for-was the center for immigration studies an organization that the southern poverty law center that designated as a hate group and found that it disseminated white

nationalist content on over 2,000 occasions, deeply disturbed that the administration would be using that as a source of anything in an official report. yield back, mr. chairman. thank you for the additional time. >> the chair will yield. time the gentle lady from texas. >> i thank the gentleman and i really do, as i look, these are public servants, and i thank you for your service. i would argue that the service that each of your agencies are supposed to give really falls in the category of mercy and sympathy and empathy that refugees around the world are facing. i'm not sure whether that is possible, having the kind of

statements that are coming from the administration and i frankly believe the american people should realize that when public servants an before us that's are unfortunately the spokesman of a cruel and ugly policied a evidence by the administration. having sat on the immigration subcommittee for many, many years, i can probably with great comfort say this is probably the worst time in american history as relates to the rights of immigrants. with that said, i'd like to begin my line of questioning on a general statement. mr. henshaw and mr. lloyd. how do you treat muslim refugees? mer -- mr. henshaw. >> we don't treat refugees any way differently based on their

religion. >> how is that possible when the administration has fought consistently for a muslim ban? >> there is no muslim ban. we are simply reevaluating our security system country by country. >> there is a muslim ban proposed by this administration as evidence evidence by the stance stance that the attorney general have been take can in in court though they've been undefeated. you're saying you do not decipher and/or reject muslim refugees that it may be in refugee camps in jordan and on the bored of syria. >> never, ever. >> mr. lloyd? >> once they enter into our care, all determineses about placement has already been made. this is office of refugee receiptlement. we administer benefits and trees muslim refugee this same as all other refugees. >> will you submit to this committee your statements in

dealing with refugees who have come dish know the process. the american people don't know the process. that is that refugees coming out of areas are in a camp, think you work with the u.n., that's a process, long period of vetting, and then these individuals come to the united states by way of your choice of them out of those who are requiring or -- requesting the opportunity to come to the united states. is that not correct? >> well, the -- the initial determination and selection is made with prm in consultation with dhs. >> right. so provide me and this committee with the whole process, and that includes those individuals that may be coming from the area of the muslim ban, because they do exist. i appreciate if you do so. otherwise the myth of taking in terrorist will continue to abound in this particular administration. i would like to pursue also the

line of questioning dealing with your treatment of refugees having just visited the border and seeing some of the detention centers that, although i appreciate the service again of the federal employees, it is not a pleasant sight. in particular with mr. lloyd, with miss jane doe again, different you have direct contact with doe or those working on her behalf. >> cannot comment on individual cases. >> would you -- i'm not sure why you would not indicate whether or not -- did you have contact with lawyers? did the agency have contact with the lawyers. >> in any case where there is any lawyers involved, we would be in contact with the lawyers, so, yes. >> do you have a set policy that you are pushing by way of the

administration that opposes any young women who are falling nature particular statistic that sayses that 60% of those who are trying to flee oppression and persecution coming from the southern border are generally raped by those who are trafficking them or -- and, thereforing are might be in need of medical help. are you with that statistic? >> i'm not familiar with that specific statistic. >> do you have any position on providing any sort of humane response to an individual that may have been raped and is pregnant and that falls under the laws of the united states, which would allow an abortion? >> we work in the best interests of all of the uacs who come into our care and to in the confines of our statutory virals. >> they would be covered by the general laws about the ability to achieve an abortion based

upon being raped? >> well, that would fall under the dvpra which we limited with -- >> is that a yes? >> i'm sorry. >> they would have that right because of the laws that allow women to secure an abortion because they've been raped. is that a yes? >> with regard to the -- >> mr. chairman, i'd like additional minute for -- >> i object. you have gone over a minute already. >> will you finish the question, sir? >> you can answer the question. >> okay. with regard to sexual assault, we follow the guidelines of the -- on trafficking victims protection act, and have implemented that into our policy. >> and jane doe's case you did not, honever. >> the gentle lady's time has expired. i gave you an additional minute. >> i appreciate it, mr. chairman, but this is a serious issue. the treatment of refugees under

this administration has diminished. it is frankly deteriorate i want to apologize to those seeking refuse in the country under this administration. >> it's an issue and these why wire trying to reduce the number of illegal people coming to the united states because many of them do get raped cross the border. >> appreciate, mr. chairman, we should at least treat them with decency when this company yield back. >> this conclude this health thank thursday all of our witnesses for attending. without objection, all members have five legislative days to submit additional written questions for the witness is. this hearing is adjourned... [inaudible conversations]

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the senate committee will please come to order. today we are holding a hearing on free speech on college campuses. senator murray and i will each have an opening statement and then introduce the witnesses where we are looking forward to the witnesses. this is an exceptional panel and we thank you for coming. after george testimony, we will each have five minutes of questions. before we get into the hearing, i want to make a comment about the recommendations senator marie and i made it to the