In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Rep. Darrell Issa criticized the State Department for funding a nonprofit organization, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), that provided counseling to migrants on how to navigate the asylum process and enter the United States. During a hearing, Issa confronted Julieta Valls Noyes, assistant secretary for Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) at the State Department, about the department providing false information to Congress regarding funding legal representation or counseling related to immigration proceedings. Issa presented slides from HIAS showing guidance on how to enter the U.S. through the asylum system in Spanish. Despite Valls Noyes’ claims that the State Department did not directly fund the slides, Issa argued that indirectly funding such activities goes against Congress’ intent.
Issa emphasized that funding an organization that promotes activities inconsistent with what is communicated to Congress is deceptive and unacceptable. He accused the State Department of misleading the public by claiming not to fund the specific slides used by HIAS in their presentations. Valls Noyes maintained that the State Department ceased funding HIAS in 2023 and is in compliance with the law, and that similar slides are not currently being distributed. Issa emphasized the seriousness of the situation, citing the law prohibiting deception and trickery when providing information to Congress. He expressed his intention to continue pursuing accountability for those involved in the misleading funding of migrant counseling programs.
The exchange between Issa and Valls Noyes highlighted the discrepancy between the State Department’s actions and the information provided to Congress. Issa argued that funding the organization behind the slides indirectly still holds the State Department responsible for facilitating activities that encourage migrants to circumvent the legal processes at the border. He stressed the need for transparency and accountability in government actions and funding allocations related to immigration issues. Despite the State Department’s denial of direct funding for the specific slides, Issa vowed to continue pushing for the truth and holding those accountable for deceptive practices.
The Center for Immigration Studies had previously reported on the Biden administration’s allocation of taxpayer funds to nonprofits supporting migrants moving towards the U.S. southern border. Issa’s criticism of the funding practices aimed to shed light on the discrepancies between government actions and the information provided to Congress. He emphasized the need for consistent, honest communication and oversight to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not used to support misleading or deceptive activities related to immigration. Issa expressed his commitment to pursuing accountability for those involved in funding programs that encourage migrants to bypass legal processes and enter the U.S. unlawfully.
Despite the State Department’s denial of direct funding for the slides used by HIAS, Issa remained adamant about uncovering the truth behind the funding practices. He highlighted the importance of ongoing oversight and holding accountable those responsible for misleading actions related to immigration funding. By challenging the State Department’s assertions and advocating for transparency, Issa sought to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used appropriately and in alignment with congressional intent. The exchange at the hearing reflected Issa’s dedication to uncovering deceptive practices and holding government officials accountable for their actions.
