WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) released the following statement after legislation he introduced, the Preserving Integrity in Immigration Benefits Act, passed in the House Judiciary Committee:

“Our state has seen firsthand the implications of poorly managed immigration benefit programs. I am proud to champion the Preserving Integrity in Immigration Benefits Act because Minnesotans, and taxpayers throughout the country, deserve confidence that immigration benefit programs are being administered responsibly,” said Rep. Finstad. “I’m glad to see this legislation pass through Committee today, marking a commonsense step toward restoring trust in a system that has been exploited and assuring taxpayers that programs like this are serving only those who are eligible.”

The Preserving Integrity in Immigration Benefits Act requires the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to review all immigration benefit requests approved after January 20, 2021, for countries identified as high-risk by the U.S. Department of State.

Since taking office, Congressman Finstad has been at the forefront of calling for transparency and greater accountability from state leaders amid Minnesota’s fraud pandemic and systemic abuse of government programs. Weakened immigration policies during the Biden Administration and insufficient oversight resulted in lax approvals in immigration benefits that have directly impacted taxpayer funded programs in Minnesota.

To address this, Congressman Finstad introduced the Preserving Integrity in Immigration Benefits Act, which creates a level of accountability within the immigration benefits request process. With numerous instances of taxpayer fraud connected to immigrant-related benefits, this legislation aids in safeguarding taxpayer dollars and restoring trust in the government funding system for these benefits.