But. Mr. Speaker. being generous does not mean we have to have a weak screening process for refugees. especially for those coming from Iraq and Syria where we know people are there who seek to do us harm and are looking to exploit a weak process. It is wrong to condemn a strong screening process using the language of charity and morality. When we allow refugees into this country. we must be guided by one single principle: If you are a terrorist or you are a threat to our country. you are not getting in. period. The bill before us increases the standards to keep those who want to do us harm out. But America is not saying "no" to refugees. America always stands as a beacon of hope for everyone fleeing oppression and terror. Nothing will stop us from protecting the innocent while continuing our fight against evil. Instead. this bill puts a pause on our refugee program until we are certain that nobody being allowed in poses a threat to the American people. To those who do not even want to consider increasing accountability in our refugee processand to the President. who announced that he wants to veto this billlet me tell you this: It is against the values of our Nation and the values of a free society to give terrorists the opening they are looking for to come into our country and harm the American people. and we have an obligation to stop that from happening. In the debate we are having on the refugee crisis. we should not lose sight of the root of the problem. The real problem is ISIL and our lack of strategy to destroy them. It astounds me that the President refuses to face reality and admit that his strategy is failing.
Identified stereotypes
Refugees from Iraq and Syria are potential terrorists exploiting a weak screening process.