U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) sent a letter to President Obama last week asking him to halt Syrian immigration until the government can review the entry requirements.
“As we continue to pray for the people of Paris, we’re provided a sobering reminder that our own homeland is not immune from this type of evil,” Bost said. “The United States has a long, proud history of being a nation of immigrants, and my heart hurts for the innocent Syrian and Iraqi civilians seeking refuge. However, our first and foremost priority must be protecting the American people. Until I am convinced that we have taken every single step necessary to keep our families safe, I will continue to oppose the admission of refugees into our cities.”
Bost is one of many lawmakers who have called for increased scrutiny of Syrian refugees attempting to enter the U.S. after investigators found a Syrian passport near the body of one of the alleged attackers involved in the Paris terrorist attacks that killed 130 people November 13.
The House advanced the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act, or American Safe Act, on November 19, which would require the heads of the FBI, Homeland Security and National Intelligence to individually vouch for the low risk of each individual Syrian refugee attempting to enter the U.S. President Obama has pledged to veto the bill if it reaches his desk and expects to move forward with his plan to admit approximately 10,000 Syrian refugees over the next year.
Several dozen governors have also made similar moves, temporarily suspending admission of Syrian refugees while calling for increased screening processes.
According to a report by The New York Times, the current entry procedures already take up to two years and involve 20 separate steps.
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