×

Obama’s refugee plan must be halted until security loopholes are closed

We Americans have big hearts. They go out to people forced from their homes by vicious terrorists, including the Islamic State.

But we have wide-open eyes and ears, too. We are aware that in Europe, some groups of refugees from the Middle East, especially Syria, have been infiltrated by Islamic terrorists. Some of the deadly attacks in France and Belgium have been attributed to mass murderers posing as refugees.

During a press conference a few days ago, President Barack Obama was asked about his plan to bring 10,000 Syrian refugees to the United States. It can be accomplished by Sept. 30, the president said.

Work is in progress to make that happen, Obama added.

Of course this country can find ways to resettle 10,000 people fleeing violence in Syria. The mechanics of accepting that many new residents are not at all daunting.

But national security officials already have said they cannot ensure some terrorists do not sneak into the United States, posing as refugees. Closing loopholes in how potential immigrants are checked to ensure they are not coming here to slaughter Americans needs to be the government’s priority in planning for any influx of immigrants from the Middle East.

Unless and until Homeland Security officials can testify they have closed those gaps, Congress should not permit Obama to go forward with his plan for the Syrian refugees.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $3.92/week.

Subscribe Today