Noem Votes to Prohibit Refugees from Syria and Iraq from Being Admitted to the U.S.

Noem Votes to Prohibit Refugees from Syria and Iraq from Being Admitted to the U.S.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Kristi Noem today supported legislation to temporarily prohibit Syrian and Iraqi refugees from being admitted to the United States.  More specifically, H.R.4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act, would put an immediate pause on the program until the FBI and relevant intelligence agencies could certify to Congress that an individual does not pose a threat.  The legislation, which Noem cosponsored, passed the House today with broad bipartisan support.

“My priority – and my fundamental responsibility – is to keep the American people safe,” said Noem.  “Top security officials have admitted that we don’t have the resources necessary to fully vet refugees from countries, like Syria, whose government is in shambles and where we lack a law enforcement presence.  Until confidence in the vetting process can restored and we can certify that refugees do not present a safety threat to the American people, we must put a pause on this program.  This legislation would certainly be an important step toward greater national security, but what our country needs as well is a comprehensive plan from the President regarding how he plans to defeat ISIL and overcome the threat of global terrorism.”

Earlier this week, Noem joined more than 100 of her colleagues in writing President Obama regarding their concerns about admitting refugees from Syria and Iraq and urging him to immediately suspend the program.  Click here to view the letter.

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