Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on Today’s Vote on Syrian Refugees
Rep. Ruben Gallego issued the following statement:
"Today, Republican leaders in the House brought forward a misguided bill to drastically alter our nation's refugee laws. While we are still uncovering the facts about the senseless violence in Paris, we must not rush to make permanent policy changes that turn our backs on those escaping violence and torture in their home countries.
"Among other provisions aimed at making an already lengthy and secure process even more difficult to navigate for vulnerable families, the bill would block the resettlement of 58,000 Iraqi refugees who have family in the United States, who served as interpreters for the U.S. military or have other close U.S. affiliations and have been waiting months for resettlement. Having fought in Iraq and worked alongside these interpreters, it is unfathomable that we would honor their service to our country and our troops by erecting additional barriers to reuniting them with their families while they face danger as a result of their sacrifices.
"I am disappointed and alarmed by the Republican rush to politically capitalize on the tragic events in Paris. Even in the wake of a series of devastating terror attacks, the French government has already reaffirmed its commitment to accepting refugees. The United States should do the same.
"Instead of embracing the politics of fear and division, I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to preserve the American tradition of welcoming those ‘yearning to breathe free' from around the world."
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