Statement on Syrian refugee bill

Press Release

Rep. Sam Farr, D-Calif., released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to amend the U.S. refugee admission process:

"The strength of our nation is found in our willingness to help those most in need. Turning our back on those fleeing terror and destruction would mean turning our back on the values that make this country great. America can stay true to those values without compromising our security.

"We already thoroughly vet anyone seeking refugee status. For most applications, it is a multi-year process that requires a stringent background check. If our security agencies cannot verify any detail of a refugee's story, they are denied entrance. That is a higher level of security screening than we apply to immigrants and travelers visiting the United States.

"After the recent attacks in Paris, fear is an understandable emotion. However leadership requires us to not give into that fear. Syrian refugees fleeing their war torn country are not our enemy. They are grandparents, mothers, fathers and children who are only searching for safe haven for their family. As a humanitarian nation and the moral leader of the world, we have a responsibility to welcome them into our country."

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