WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement after voting against legislation that would effectively block all Syrian refugees fleeing from war and violence from entering the United States.
“The United States has a long history of admitting those seeking refuge from conflict, and we must not abandon our fundamental, constitutional principles in moments of fear,” said Senator Coons. “While terrorists are looking for ways to attack our country, this misguided bill serves only to embolden those who wish us harm. This legislation would not keep us safe - in fact, by imposing costly, duplicative, and unnecessary procedures for screening refugees, this bill would actually undermine our security efforts by distracting senior U.S. officials from the thorough processes we already have in place to vet refugees.
“The proposals put forward by Senators Reid and Feinstein would strengthen U.S. national security through common sense reforms that would close critical loopholes in our Visa Waiver Program and equip airport security agents and police officers with the skills needed to respond to terrorist threats. We can and must maintain rigorous standards for vetting refugees while still providing a haven for those fleeing persecution and violence.”