Despite being flagged as being on the terror watchlist and having close ties to Iran, the Pakistani man charged with plotting to assassinate Donald Trump and other government figures, Asif Raza Merchant, was allowed to enter the US under a special parole program.

According to Just The News, which obtained government documents on the subject, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force had interviewed Merchant when he arrived at Houston’s George Bush International Airport in April and fingerprinted him. They also inspected the contents of his electronic devices. The task force let Merchant leave under "significant public benefit parole" that expired on May 11. Merchant was allowed to stay in the US beyond this expiration date.

The FBI’s interview memo stated, "Subject was polite and cooperative throughout encounter." It later added, "Subject's notable travel outside of country of citizenship includes a recent trip to Iran." The memo stated that Merchant was "released without incident" and was "free to travel to desired destination," which was listed as a family member’s Texas home.

Immigration records from Merchant’s arrival in the country showed that he was flagged by the Department of Homeland Security database, with "WATCH LIST" and "Lookout Qualified Person of Interest" written on it. 

Merchant was arrested on July 12 and charged in connection with a plot to assassinate Trump and other government officials. He plotted with a person who he believed could assist him in the plot, with that person reporting Merchant to law enforcement and becoming a confidential source. Merchant attempted to hire hitmen to carry out the deed and was planning on leaving the country on July 12.

Law enforcement officials who spoke to Just The News in April stated that the parole in Merchant’s case allowed agents to attempt to turn merchant into a cooperator, or try to determine why he was in the country and who he could be working with. 

US Citizenship and Immigration Services states that there is "no statutory or regulatory definition of 'significant public benefit.'"

"Parole based on significant public benefit includes, but is not limited to, law enforcement and national security reasons or foreign or domestic policy considerations. USCIS officers look at all of the circumstances presented in the case."