Administration assures governors refugee vetting is rigorous
Published 9:32 am Monday, November 23, 2015
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is assuring governors that refugees who come to the United States in its resettlement program undergo a “rigorous security vetting process,” particularly if they are fleeing from Syria.
“In short, the security vetting for this population — the most vulnerable of individuals — is extraordinarily thorough and comprehensive,” Secretary of State John Kerry and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson write in letters sent to all state and territorial governors and to the mayor of Washington. D.C.
After last week’s attacks in Paris by the Islamic State, several governors vowed to block efforts to resettle Syrian refugees in the U.S. for fear their ranks would be infiltrated by IS militants planning a domestic attack.
In the House, lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to erect high hurdles for Syrian and Iraqi refugees.
The administration countered that the vetting process was thorough and could take nearly three years. President Barack Obama has said the U.S. will remain a welcoming place for refugees from around the world.
In their letters to governors, Kerry and Johnson said the vetting process is multi-layered and intensive and involves multiple law enforcement, national security and intelligence agencies and includes even more precautions for Syrian refugees. A copy of the letter addressed to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and dated Friday was obtained Saturday by The Associated Press.
Noting that more than 4 million people have fled Syria, the American officials say some of the closest U.S. allies and other nations are pledging to take in Syrian refugees. They say the plan to bring at least 10,000 to the U.S. this fiscal year “represents a modest commitment by our government.”
President Barack Obama speaks at a news conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015. Wrapping up a nine-day trip to Turkey and Asia, Obama vowed Sunday that the United States and its international partners “will not relent” in the fight against the Islamic State, insisting the world would not accept the extremists’ attacks on civilians in Paris and elsewhere as the “new normal.” (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
