Committee backs review of immigration approvals for nationals of 'high‑risk' countries amid protests from Democrats

The committee voted to report H.R.6978, the Preserving Integrity and Immigration Benefits Act, after debate over administrative vetting and the geographic scope of the measure.

Sponsor supporters argued the bill merely codifies an executive review of adjudications for nationals from countries identified by the administration as having inadequate vetting systems, citing a 36-country list the sponsor said includes Angola, Afghanistan, and others. Rep. McClintock described the measure as a way to ensure fraudulently obtained immigration benefits are caught and public safety risks are mitigated.

Opponents said the bill would single out lawful immigrants and create unequal, politically driven reviews of previously approved naturalization and green-card cases. Ranking Member Raskin called it ‘‘an attack on legal immigration’’ that could subject certain citizens and naturalized individuals to renewed administrative scrutiny.

Members questioned whether certain populations — including Afghans who helped U.S. forces, Iranian‑Americans, and other longtime lawful residents — could be unfairly targeted. The sponsor said the review criteria are based on vetting gaps and corruption in source countries rather than national origin per se.

What happens next: Committee ordered the bill reported favorably to the House. Members raised requests for further bipartisan oversight and clarifying submissions for the record.

Provenance: Committee discussion began after H.R.1958 was sent to notice (committee transcript SEG 2667 onward).