Mr. Speaker, I rise today to object to the
administration's recent executive order suspending the U.S. Refugee
Admissions Program and visas from certain countries in the Middle East
and east Africa. Protecting our national security, of course, must
always be our number one priority. This executive order, however, Mr. Speaker, does not focus on the
precise challenges that we face. We can keep our homeland safe by
immediately implementing more thorough screening procedures rather than
pursuing this broad brush approach. Although this measure is temporary and some individuals will continue
to be admitted on a case-by-case basis, Congress needs to work to
ensure that this order does not apply to U.S. residents, does not apply
to those who have already been issued a visa, or does not apply to
those who have already been granted refugee status. I urge the administration to work with Congress and Federal agencies
to find a measured plan that protects our national security, honors our
existing commitments, and follows the letter and spirit of the law.
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