LAWMAKERS DIG DEEP TO SLOW REFUGEE FLOW TO U.S.Congressman: Let’s stop ‘fraudsters’ from coming to America Cheryl Chumley March 21 2016
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are gearing up for a new fight to slow the flow of refugees to the United States, saying Americans are compassionate by nature, but politicians with personal agendas and amnesty dreams shouldn’t be allowed to take advantage of that kindheartedness and open the doors to security risks.
“Americans are kind and compassionate towards those in need,” said Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, in a statement reported by the Hill. “But we cannot allow our nation’s refugee program to be exploited by fraudsters and those wishing to do us harm. It’s clear that reforms are needed so that the program works in the best interest of Americans and ensures that the program is made available only to those who are being persecuted.”
He made the remarks in context of discussing a bill, the Refugee Program Integrity Restoration Act, that sets a 60,000 per year cap on the number of refugees allowed in the country. The bill also mandates tighter screening measures on those coming in the country, and gives state and local governments the authority to reject refugee resettlement into their communities.
The bill’s moved through committee in speedy fashion, and may hit the House floor for consideration soon. “Until Congress takes meaningful action, I think it’s going to be an issue that’s going to continue to come up,” said Chris Chmielenski, director of content and activism at NumbersUSA, an immigration reform group, the Hill reported.
The bill comes as Obama’s called for America to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees this year, and a total of 85,000 from around the world. The bill also comes as key security officials in the White House administration admit the refugee crisis and movement presents a tough security situation.
“In all candor,” said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson during a recent House appearance, “I do agree that the refugee flow coming out of Iraq and Syria represents a potential opportunity for terrorist organizations to move its members into other nations for potential attacks.”
