Obama Threatens to Veto Bill That Would Require Vetting of Syrian Refugees
- Updated Nov 19, 2015
President Obama said this week he would veto a bill that could improve screening Syrian refugees.
According to Fox News, the bill would set “high hurdles” for refugees to gain entrance into the United States. Those checks could include an FBI background investigation and approval from top officials.
"America has a proud tradition of welcoming refugees into our country, and we lead the world in humanitarian assistance. However, we also must put proper measures in place to ensure our country's safety," House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said in a statement.
But as the bill was being prepared, the White House issued a statement, saying that the possible legislation would create “significant delays and obstacles” in the program.
"Given the lives at stake and the critical importance to our partners in the Middle East and Europe of American leadership in addressing the Syrian refugee crisis ... [Obama] would veto the bill," the White House said.
House Speaker Paul Ryan said the house would vote on the bill sometime this week. Ryan also added that the bill was not a “religious test” for admittance into the U.S.
His statements come after Obama said that Syrian refugees should be welcomed in the U.S.
"Slamming the door in the face of refugees would betray our deepest values. That's not who we are. And it's not what we're going to do," Obama tweeted.
Publication date: November 19, 2015
