Hudson Statement on Terrorists Entering U.S. as Refugees

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), co-author of a bill to bolster security of the Syrian and Iraqi refugee program, responded to reports that two terrorists from Iraq entered the United States through the refugee process:

“It appears that this administration is not keeping terrorists out of our country and is failing to protect the safety of Americans. ISIS has vowed to exploit the refugee crisis and it looks like they’ve done it. This gaping hole in our security must be addressed immediately. That’s why I’m calling on the Senate to pass my bill, the American SAFE Act, to stop the Syrian and Iraqi refugee process unless and until there is reliable vetting. We face complex and growing threats from Islamic extremism and we must remain vigilant – this bill is a critical step to avoid another deadly catastrophe here at home."

According to the National Counterterrorism Center, “Since 2011, NCTC has identified non-Syrian individuals with ties to terrorist groups in Syria attempting to gain entry to the U.S. through the U.S. refugee program.”

Despite a veto-threat from the president, the American SAFE Act, introduced by Rep. Hudson and Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, requires comprehensive background checks of every refugee from Iraq or Syria and certification that each does not pose a threat before they can be admitted into the United States. It passed the House with an overwhelming, bipartisan, and veto-proof majority.