House Republicans demand answers on why immigration agency employs apparent ‘terrorist sympathizer’

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer and Wisconsin Republican Rep. Glenn Grothman on Tuesday demanding that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) account for reports that an officer with the agency celebrated a recent Hamas terrorist attack and repeatedly disparaged Jews and Israelis.

"According to a report, USCIS hired an employee who celebrated recent terrorist activity, excused the brutal slaughter of innocents in Israel as justified 'resistance' and displayed a clear bias against Jews and Israelis," the pair wrote to USCIS Director Ur Jaddou. "Specifically, that report states that Nejwa Ali worked for USCIS as an asylum officer before becoming an adjudication officer. This employee has recently used her social media accounts to promote content celebrating recent Hamas atrocities that have caused the death of thousands, including dozens of Americans."

Among the posts Ali made were pointed criticisms of Israel, blanket statements holding American Jews accountable for the actions of the Israeli government, expletive-laden insults toward Jews, and a litany of violent images.

The pair further highlighted Ali's role as an adjudication officer, noting that such personnel screen asylum applications and issue decisions on benefit applications.

"It is unfortunate that foreign nationals who made claims for protection in the United States due to alleged persecution in their home countries on account of a protected ground—including race, religion, or membership in a particular social group—may have had their cases reviewed by an employee who harbors such repugnant views," they continued. "Among other duties, adjudication officers 'review and make determinations on cases for immigration benefits.'"

"There is no justification for permitting an open terrorist sympathizer and antisemite to have authority to determine immigration benefits," they wrote. "We are also concerned that this employee may have acted out her bias in adjudications. Accurate adjudications that protect against ineligible applicants, deliver a fair process for qualified applicants, and guard against national security threats must be the priority for the agency."

The Republicans asked that USCIS provide documents and communications related to the hiring and job performance of Nejwa Ali, as well as any disciplinary records or agency discussions about her use of social media.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.