Tensions continue over federal program to resettle Syrian refugees
RALEIGH, N.C. - Tensions continue to build over the future of a federal program to allow the resettlement of thousands of Syrian refugees.
Political experts said public opinion seems to be shifting toward a majority backing a suspension of the program.
“It is certainly starting to gain some traction as a bipartisan issue,” political expert Michael Bitzer said. “The concerns about terrorism cut across party lines.”
Rep. Richard Hudson got a hearty round of applause Friday morning in Salisbury when he talked about the issue in front of a group of senior citizens.
Hudson introduced a bill that was approved by a veto-proof two-thirds majority in Congress that would put a stop to refugee resettlement until the FBI can ensure that potential terrorists can’t slip in with them.
“Most Americans are very compassionate,” Hudson said. “We want to help others, but we need to know who they are.”
Hudson said he questions whether proper background checks can be done on those coming from a war-torn country.
“In the case of most Syrian refugees, you can’t knock on a neighbor’s door when the entire block has been destroyed,” he said. “You can’t go to a former employer when the employer doesn’t exist. We just can’t build a record on a lot of these folks. There’s no third party in Syria to call to get information, and if that’s the case, we shouldn’t allow those individuals in.”
Hudson isn’t alone.
Even Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper, who’s running against McCrory, said he supports a “pause” in refugee resettlements.
McCrory signs letter asking to cease resettling Syrian refugees
North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory announced Friday morning that he sent a letter to Obama asking to stop resettling Syrian refugees in the United States until the country addresses security gaps.
McCrory was one of 26 governors to sign the letter, which says the U.S. has long been a welcoming beacon to those seeking refugee status, but that they’re concerned ISIS will exploit the refugee system.
McCrory also released a statement that said, in part, “Asking for a thorough review of the refugee screening process, particularly in light of the Paris terrorist attacks, is prudent and a moral obligation I have to the people of North Carolina."
The president has promised to veto a bill that would halt the refugee program until more security measures are in place, but enough House Democrats voted for it Thursday to override a veto.
Lawmakers plan to vote on the bill after the Thanksgiving break.