GOP Demands Answers About Minor Illegal Immigrant Labor

Republicans on Capitol Hill are demanding answers after it was revealed that the Biden Administration turned a blind eye to a major wave of minors working in the United States illegally.

Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee requested testimony from the director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement following reports that migrant children are being used by major corporations for work.

These included children working at companies such as Ben & Jerry’s, Cheerios and Ford, among others.

The issues go well beyond that of potential child labor. There is a dimension of immigration law and border enforcement tied to the exploitation of children as young as 12. In particular, the leadership of the same committee demanded answers.

In a letter from chair Rep. Jim Jordan (R-CA), alongside Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) and Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA) calling for a major focus on the possible use of child labor during what the representatives describe as “the worst illegal immigration crisis in our nation’s history.”

The members of the committee requested the audience with the refugee chief in order to “assist us with our oversight of federal immigration policy and procedures.”

Reporting by Reuters and other outlets describe a “nearly 70% increase in child labor violations” over the last five years. In particular, more than 800 American companies were found to violate child labor laws.

The latest news contradicts a number of major arguments by the Biden White House.

The increase in labor among illegal immigrants of all ages has increased since Joe Biden took office in January 2021. In particular, Republican critics point to sharp increases in attempted border crossings.

Government figures place the number of contacts between border authorities and illegal immigrants at more than 600,000, a new record high. The news also comes after revelations that more than 300,000 unaccompanied children crossed the border since Joe Biden became president.

Republicans also criticized what they characterize as lax border enforcement by the Biden administration, allowing for large numbers of migrants to enter the country. In particular, they contrast this with what they describe as strict and competent border and immigration enforcement under former President Trump.