CPC Co-Chairs Oppose Persecution of Syrian Refugees
Washington– The Co-Chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Representatives Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Keith Ellison (D-MN), issued the following statement opposing H.R. 4038, legislation preventing Syrian refugees from taking shelter in the United States:
“It is a fundamental American value to provide a safe haven for our most vulnerable neighbors. Syrian refugees are fleeing persecution and violence from the very same terrorists that attacked Paris last week. We cannot allow fear-mongering to influence policy that could mean the difference between life and death for these desperate families. We stand proudly against misguided attempts to repeat past mistakes that tarnish our nation’s history.
“This bill diverts resources from where they are really needed by creating an excessive review process that would add years to the resettlement process and prevent thousands of people from getting the protection they need. Our Syrian refugee vetting process is already the most comprehensive in the world, and these changes would stretch the federal government’s limited resources. Closing our doors to Syrian refugees fleeing violence and persecution isn’t just morally wrong; it threatens our national security by fueling the extremist narrative that the West is at war with Islam.”
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