“We have, for years, safely admitted refugees from all over the world, including Syrian refugees, and we have a great deal of experience screening and admitting large numbers of refugees from chaotic environments, including where intelligence holdings are limited”, Henshaw said.
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Over the next year, Obama plans to resettle 10,000 Syrian refugees who are fleeing Islamic extremists fighting in the five-year-long Syrian civil war, which has largely been fueled by the involvement of the United States and its allies who are aiding the rebels trying to overthrow the Syrian government.
Myth: 70% of the Syrian refugees coming to the United States are young, single, adult men.
A majority of the country’s governors also have said they are reluctant to help resettle refugees in their states.
“Keeping tabs on them actually has never been an issue though-any time we’ve raised any questions about any of our refugees we’ve been able to find them” Henshaw said, showing full confidence in how the program works.
Mayorkas said Monday the bill is impractical and would mean that the top US national security officials would need to spend most of their working hours reviewing refugee applications.
President Barack Obama appealed anew on Thanksgiving Day for acceptance of Syrian refugees, saying “so much of our greatness comes from our generosity”.
He emphasizes that Syrian refugees attempting to enter the United States must “undergo a security screening process that is more thorough than any other for people entering this country” and includes tests and interviews conducted by five different governmental departments.
The president said the US situation is different from that in Europe, where refugees arrive and then have to be sorted out. Many state officials are also concerned about the vetting process for refugees and fear ISIS militants could come to the U.S.as part of the refugee groups.
In a letter sent Wednesday, Office of Refugee Resettlement Director Robert Carey said he is aware of the concern expressed by some local leaders in allowing Syrian refugees into their states.
His political website tweeted a call for people sign a petition urging Senate support for a strict vetting process for Syrian refugees. I think it’s one of the reasons that we can talk with governors about the fact that this program needs to continue in all 48 states (that accept refugees).
Congress could attach legislation that would block the entry of Syrian refugees to a spending bill that has to pass to keep the federal government running past December.
“Syrian refugees are subject to even more precautions than other refugees”, he added.
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Meanwhile, in many states, governors – including Florida’s Rick Scott – want the resettlements stopped until “extensive evaluation of the risk” is completed.
