Hunter Biden slams father’s immigration policies, says veterans sidelined

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Hunter Biden, the son of former US President Joe Biden, criticised US immigration policies, arguing that the system had prioritised undocumented immigrants over war veterans struggling with the long-term effects of decades of conflict.

Hunter’s remarks came as immigration policies implemented during Joe Biden’s presidency continued to face scrutiny from the Trump administration, particularly following recent violent incidents linked to refugee resettlement programs.

Hunter Biden says immigration system fails US veterans

Speaking on 'The Shawn Ryan Show,' the host raised concerns about what he described as misplaced priorities in the immigration system, pointing to reports of undocumented immigrants receiving benefits such as hotel accommodations while US war veterans faced challenges accessing mental health care, housing, and support services.

Hunter Biden agreed with the criticism while stressing that immigration itself remained essential to the country’s future. 

“We need a vibrant immigration,” Hunter said, acknowledging the role immigrants play in strengthening the US economy and society.

However, he sharply criticised illegal immigration, adding, “But we don’t want immigrants that are coming here illegally, draining us of resources, and being prioritised above people that are literal heroes who are coming home.”

Referring to US service members, Hunter said veterans were still recovering from “20 years of endless war,” including those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and other long-term consequences of combat.

“They are still recovering from 20 years of endless war, or anybody else in our society,” he added, before concluding, “But everybody’s talking past each other.”

Joe Biden’s Afghan resettlement policies face renewed scrutiny

Immigration policies from the Biden administration drew renewed criticism following the fatal shooting of two National Guard members last month. Authorities later confirmed that the accused was an Afghan refugee who had entered the United States in 2021.

Under 'Operation Allies Welcome,' tens of thousands of Afghans were admitted into the US after the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. The program granted two-year humanitarian stays but did not guarantee permanent legal status.

According to the US State Department, more than 190,000 Afghans were resettled in the United States under 'Operation Allies Welcome' and its successor programs. Critics have argued that the rapid resettlement process raised concerns about vetting, long-term housing, and public safety.

Trump attacks Biden-era immigration policies

Following the Washington shooting, President Donald Trump publicly blamed Joe Biden’s immigration policies, accusing his predecessor of allowing “20 million unknown and unvetted foreigners” into the country.

Trump called for a comprehensive reexamination of all Afghan refugees admitted during the Biden administration. In a late-night address, he described the shooting as “an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror,” adding that it was “a crime against our entire nation.”

Hours earlier, US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it would indefinitely pause the processing of Afghan immigration cases pending a review of security and vetting protocols.

Since taking office in January, Trump has moved aggressively to overhaul refugee admissions and reduce foreign assistance programs. These changes have reportedly cut off thousands of Afghans who previously assisted US forces and were relying on American support for resettlement.