Unfortunately. the possibility of their safe return is unlikely at any time in the near future. They struggle to survive every day. and they persevere. Many have been vetted by the United Nations as people who are qualified to resettle as refugees in countries like ours because they simply cant return home. The refugees I met are struggling to live on 50 cents a day to buy food and have only one propane bottle to provide cooking fuel for an entire month. Unfortunately. most of that aid is slated to end in the next couple of months. The people in the camps live on the edge of having nothing. and they rely on humanitarian aid to get by on a daytoday basis. They are thankful. but in the end they are living in limbo. waiting and hoping for an interview with a U.S. official. Today. at the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing we focused on ISISs goals and ideology. We heard from experts that the United States should continue to welcome refugees. Proposals to block refugees based on their religious beliefs plays into the narrative that the United States and Muslims across the globe are in direct conflict. We heard that those who have left ISIS territory describe it as "a living hell." and if we do not accept refugees. it harms our standing in the world and actually will weaken our national security. The safety and security of the American people is always my top priority. but policies which alienate and divide. targeted at victims of terror and violence. do not support that mission. I am hopeful that this body will focus our efforts on the very real threat posed by terrorism and extremism. not on imposing unnecessary barriers that will prevent us from assisting the victims fleeing violence.
Keywords matched
refugees