November 17, 2015 — Refugee resettlement from around the world, for people of all religions and none, has been one of the success stories of the United States. Now is no time to abandon this successful model. Refugees are the most security vetted population who come to the United States. Security screenings are rigorous and involve the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and the Department of Defense.
Across the U.S., successful Syrian-American communities are testimony to the potential contribution of refugees to this country.
Banning Syrian refugees will not make America safer; it will make refugees more desperate. Syrian refugees are fleeing violence — including by ISIS — and are seeking safety for themselves and for their families.
We deplore the insinuation in the recent banning orders against Syrian refugees that either they are terrorists, or that it is impossible to separate them from those seeking to come here to commit terrorism.
At a time when so many Syrian families are dependent on outside help for their survival, we call on all those in and aspiring to elected office to live up to the highest ideals that have made this country great.
The United States cannot provide a home for everyone. But it can show, and has throughout its history, people from across the world how to live together.