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星期四, 11月 19, 2015

CAPAC Leaders on Syrian and Iraqi Refugee Legislation

CAPAC Leaders on Syrian and Iraqi Refugee Legislation

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 289-137 to pass H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015.  This bill adds new certification requirements to the existing refugee admissions process, including requirements that the FBI Director, the Homeland Security Secretary, and the National Intelligence Director concur on the approval of each refugee admitted from Iraq and Syria.  CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) and CAPAC Chair Emeritus Rep. Michael Honda (CA-17) released the following statements:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“The terrorist attacks in Paris were horrifying. Our thoughts are with the victims and all of France as we are reminded of our own need to ensure the safety of our cities and people. But this bill is not the solution. We must stop using fear tactics as a means to enact bad policy.

“The reality is that we already have in place one of the strictest refugee policies in the world. It takes up to two years of multiple in-person interviews, background checks, and interagency cooperation before a refugee is allowed into the U.S. This process, thanks to the hard work of our intelligence and security communities, is and has been successful at weeding out threats. And that is why the vast majority of refugees admitted are widows, orphans, and victims of torture.

“It would be wrong from a moral and a security standpoint to abandon them in refugee camps where they are subject to violence or radicalization. I agree that we need a serious plan to confront the threat of ISIS, but that should not begin with attacks on frightened and vulnerable women and children. Closing our borders to refugees is a mistake and a violation of our country’s values.”

Congressman Michael Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:

“Today, we have people fleeing violence and persecution in the Middle East, Central America, Asia, and Africa who are counting on the United States to stay true to its values of humanity, compassion, and religious freedom. I opposed the U.S. SAFE Act because it upends our existing rigorous refugee process and slams the door in the face of the very people fleeing ISIL and its atrocities. It is during times of peril that we must remember the lessons we have learned and stay anchored to our Constitution. It is what makes our Nation great.

“We need only look to the internment of 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry after the bombing of Pearl Harbor to see how fear-based decisions can leave a lasting dark spot on our proud history. We cannot repeat our mistakes born from racial prejudice, war hysteria, and a failure of political leadership. Now is the time to uphold the legacy of the United States as a country founded by immigrants and people seeking freedom and liberty.”

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