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Rep. George Santos (RN.Y.) said his mother was in one of the World Trade Center towers when they were attacked on Sept. 11, 2001, but immigration records show Santos’ mother was not in the U.S. states at that time day.
The congressman’s mother, Fatima Devolder, applied for a visa to enter the United States from her native Brazil in February 2003, and in that application she stated that she had not been in the United States since 1999.
But the Santos campaign website tells a different story: “George’s mother was in her office in the South Tower on September 11, 2001, when the horrific events of that day unfolded.”
The site continues that “She survived the tragic events of 9/11, but passed away a few years later when she lost her battle with cancer.”
The Washington Post previously reported that Santos’ mother died in December 2016, after which her son asked for donations to pay for her funeral.
The visa documents were obtained by Alex Calzaret, a CPA with interests in genealogy and research, through a Freedom of Information Act request. Calzaret shared the documents with The Post and other news outlets.
A spokesman for Santos did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the discrepancy, which was first reported by the Forward.
Since Santos’ election to the House in November, reports have debunked much of the New York Republican’s personal and professional history that has been presented to the public.
Santos admitted he lied about his education and work history, but questions remain about the source of his wealth, which he used to fund his campaign. Earlier this month, a nonpartisan group filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission about Santos’ campaign finance.
The Post also reported that Santos claimed to be a client of the cousin of a Russian oligarch.
Democrats and Republicans have called for Santos’ resignation. He resisted those calls, as did House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who said Santos was legitimately elected and seated unopposed. House Republicans appointed Santos to two House committees on Tuesday.
Asked if the White House thought Santos should resign, press secretary Karin Jean-Pierre told reporters on Wednesday that “it’s up to the GOP conference to show what they think they owe the American people.” It’s their decision to make what that means, what they see, as it relates to the conditions of standards and service.”
Jean-Pierre added that it was clear that the Republican Party had no plans to act, as the party had given tasks to Santos’ commission.
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