WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, today held a hearing entitled, “Ten Years after 9/11: Can Terrorists Still Exploit our Visa System?” Miller’s hearing heard testimony from witnesses regarding our nation’s progress to secure the visa system and examined policy changes made as a result of the terror attempt made by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. Miller within her role of Chairman of the Subcommittee has been conducting vigorous oversight of DHS’ border security procedures. Miller said:

“On that day in September ten years ago, we learned a hard lesson regarding our visa security. As the 9/11 Commission noted, ‘For terrorists, travel documents are as important as weapons.’ Five of the 9/11 hijackers had entered the country legally, but overstayed visas – if an effective program had been in place who knows if the attacks could have been prevented. Additionally, nearly half of all illegal aliens currently in our nation did not illegally cross our border; they have over stayed their visas.

“The 9/11 Commission report recommended and Congress mandated a biometric exit program to ensure that foreign visitors do not overstay their visas. I called this hearing because our nation’s homeland security policy is more than just preventing terrorists from entering the country; the lack of a visa exit program inhibits our ability to control the border. The proper role of Congress is to conduct vigorous oversight to make certain our nation’s laws are being followed and appropriate policies are put in place. I do not believe that it is a coincidence that the Administration today announced that they will be enacting a more rigorous visa exit program on the same day I called this hearing. I also believe that it is not coincidental that the Administration recently announced that the National Guard’s stay on the Southwest border will be extended after pressure from this committee to do just that.

“In October, I will convene a hearing of the Subcommittee on Border & Maritime Security that will examine the negative impact the back door amnesty recently given by the Obama Administration has on our ability to gain and maintain operational control of the border. It is my sincere hope the Administration will continue to cooperate with our committee and take appropriate action in that case as well.

“The first and foremost responsibility of the federal government is to provide for our national defense and that begins with border security. The Administration can be certain that this committee understands the challenge we face, is committed to meeting that challenge and will continue to provide the oversight necessary to make certain our borders are secure.”

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