Members Call on President to Halt Acceptance of Refugees
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after he was one of 110 House members who sent a letter today urging President Barack Obama to halt admission of refugees from Syria and Iraq to the United States until the vetting and monitoring process is improved and strengthened in order to keep Americans safe from potential terrorist threats.
This letter comes in response to the series of terrorist attacks waged by ISIL/ISIS in Paris over the weekend and after media reports that one of the terrorist attackers posed as a refugee from Syria when he entered Europe. In the midst of these developments, President Obama plans to admit thousands of Syrian refugees into the United States.
“While I don’t doubt that many refugees are genuinely fleeing the volatile situation in the Middle East and seeking safe haven for their families, I remain leery of accepting them into the United States under the current screening and surveillance system,” said Cole. “Unfortunately, in wake of the Paris attacks, it is clear that ISIL seeks to spread its influence through heinous and senseless acts of terror far beyond the area it occupies. In that evil effort, it is increasingly obvious that these terrorists will use whatever means necessary to do so—even posing as refugees to terrorize the rest of the world.
“First and foremost, we must protect the lives of Americans by adequately anticipating, preventing and answering threats to our national security. Given recent events and reports of ISIL’s rapidly spreading presence, it is unacceptable for President Obama to risk the safety of our nation’s citizens by accepting refugees under the current system. Not only must we improve and strengthen the process, but it is imperative that the United States have strong resolve in containing and ultimately defeating the enemies at the source of the conflict. That calls for a clear strategy from the Administration,” concluded Cole.
Full version of the letter to President Obama is available here. Excerpts from the letter are included below:
“We cannot ignore that, despite your claims, the recent attacks in Paris and the suspected bombing of a Russian airliner, demonstrate that the threat of ISIS is not contained to Syria and Iraq.”
“The United States has a proud tradition of opening its arms to those in need. However, the current conflict raging in the Middle East is unique and we cannot be certain that all individuals seeking refuge from the conflicts in Syria and Iraq pose no threat to Americans.”
“We urge your immediate action to suspend those admissions until effective vetting and monitoring processes are established that ensures the safety of the American people.”
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Contact:Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165