Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on Refugee Resettlement
Washington, DC – In the aftermath of the attacks in Paris, there has been an uptick in anti-refugee sentiment, and some Republicans have even proposed that the United States end refugee resettlement altogether.
Congressman Ruben Gallego issued the following statement:
"We have a moral responsibility to help those escaping violence and torture in their home countries, while also taking steps to ensure the protection of the American people.
"Refugees who come to the United States are subject to the highest level of security screening before they are ever allowed to enter the country. The U.S. government takes this screening very seriously, and the system has been significantly enhanced in recent years.
"I am also alarmed by the hateful anti-Muslim rhetoric coming from some in the Republican Party. Refugees come to the United States fleeing the same type of senseless violence that occurred in Paris. The vast majority of ISIS's victims have been Muslim, and most Syrian refugees are families with children. ISIS is a terrorist organization and does not represent the beliefs of the Muslim religion.
"Allowing ISIS to stoke fear and anti-Muslim sentiment is counter to our American values found on the Statue of Liberty. We should not let fear caused by terrorism overcome our sense of morality.
"I support the Obama Administration in its commitment to resettle refugees fleeing violence in a safe manner, consistent with our national security."
##