Syrian Refugee Crisis: on Immigration
Jay Williams:
Welcome Syrian refugees fleeing religious intolerance
Many Americans came to this country fleeing religious persecution and intolerance, and that led to a diversity of ideas and people--one of the United State's greatest strengths.
Today, Syrian refugees are fleeing religious intolerance, and the terrorists driving them out of their home country want us to turn them away.
But in the land of the free and the home of the brave, we must overcome our fears, and welcome our neighbors in need of help. The Republican party of 1956 had a platform that included a plank to provide asylum for refugees.
While the Republican party has changed during that time, the values of the United States have not. Jay agrees with the Republican party of 60 years ago--we must welcome refugees.
Source: 2016 S.D. Senate campaign website on Syrian Refugees
Apr 1, 2016
Jim Rubens:
Halt immigration of Syrian refugees; reduce all immigration
As Senator, I will advance immigration reform policies that maintain and defend our borders, keep Americans safe from crime and domestic terrorism, and improve economic prospects for American citizens and American workers.
If voter outrage had not killed it in the House, Gang of 8 would have granted President Obama blanket authority to admit refugees, including Syrian refugees, without requiring any background checks.Here's where I stand:-
Halt refugee immigration from countries known to harbor terrorism and where refugees cannot be documented as peaceful.
- Reduce total immigration from the present 1 million per year so that all immigrants are welcomed,
assimilate into American culture, accept the American system of law and government, and do not take jobs from Americans.
Source: 2016 N.H. Senate website JimRubens.com on Syrian Refugees
Apr 1, 2016
Martin O`Malley:
Accept 65,000 Syrians now, and more later if needed
Q: Gov. Maggie Hassan [D-NH] says, "we should halt acceptance of Syrian refugees until U.S. authorities can assure the vetting process, halt Syrian refugees." Is she wrong?O'MALLEY: No, what I would say is this is: I called for America to accept the
65,000 refugees we were asked to accept. And if this humanitarian crisis increases, we should accept more.
Q: So the idea of a halt or a pause?
O'MALLEY: There are wider vulnerabilities than when it comes to refugees. I met recently with some members
of the and the wait times are a year, 18 months, 24 months. There is a pretty excruciating process that refugees go through. We need to invest more in terms of the other sort of visas and the other sort of waivers. The sort of genocide and brutality that
victims like the Chaldean Christian communities are suffering, these are not the perpetrators. We need to be the nation whose enduring symbol is the Statue of Liberty, and we need to act like the great country we are, according to our values.
Source: 2015 ABC/WMUR Dem. debate in N.H. on Syrian Refugee crisis
Dec 19, 2015
Marco Rubio:
In 2013, refugees were fleeing oppression; not like Syrians
Sen. Ted CRUZ [to Rubio]: One of the most troubling aspects of the Rubio-Schumer Gang of Eight Bill [comprehensive immigration reform of 2013] was that it gave President Obama blanket authority to admit refugees, including Syrian refugees, without
mandating any background checks whatsoever. Now we've seen what happened in San Bernardino. When you are letting people in, when the FBI can't vet them, it puts American citizens at risk. RUBIO: In 2013 we had never faced a crisis like the
Syrian refugee crisis now. Up until that point, a refugee meant someone fleeing oppression, fleeing Communism like it is in my community. I think what's important for us to understand and there is a way forward on this issue that we and
bring our country together on. And while I'm president I will do it. And it will begin by bringing illegal immigration under control and proving to the American people.
Source: 2015 CNN/Salem Republican debate on Syrian Refugees
Dec 15, 2015
Loretta Sanchez:
Refugees are not the enemy, today nor in our history
One Republican Senate candidate, Tom Del Beccaro, was comfortable with blocking Syrian refugees. "The wise thing would be to upgrade our ability and our intel and if we are satisfied, if we are able to vet people, we could look to resuming it," he said.
Democrat Loretta Sanchez voted against the House refugee measure in Congress. In brief remarks before the vote, she indicated she was influenced by the history of her
California district, heavy with refugees from Vietnam and neighboring countries. In an echo of today's circumstances, their arrival more than a generation ago was opposed by some. "We are ready to help resettle these refugees,"
she said, noting that most are women, children and the elderly. "Refugees are not the enemy. Remember the words on the Statue of Liberty: Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."
Source: LA Times, "Syrian Refugees?" on 2016 California Senate race
Nov 22, 2015
Rocky Chavez:
We are home for the tired and oppressed, even Syrians
Accept Syrian refugees? The desire for a middle ground was evident in interviews with some candidates for the 2016 Senate contest. Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris said she opposed the GOP measure because it set up an "untenable" system: She said, "There is a
drum beating, that the way to keep us safe is to keep outsiders out. That scares me." But, she added, "there's no question that we have to be vigilant."Republican Rocky Chavez sounded remarkably like her. "One, security is important, but two, we need
to understand we are a country that has always been a home for those who are hungry and tired and oppressed," said Chavez. He recalled the internment in the 1940s of Japanese Americans who posed no threat, and of America's earlier reluctance to accept
Jews escaping Nazi Germany. "That didn't set well in history," he said, adding that "a measured approach is often the best approach. We should not take counsel from our fears and we should not take positions that go against our values."
Source: LA Times, "Syrian Refugees?" on 2016 California Senate race
Nov 22, 2015
Alan Grayson:
Screening process for refugees from Iraq & Syria ok as-is
Ballotpedia.org analysis of Congressional voting record on immigration issues: Rep. Grayson voted NAY on November 19, 2015, when the House passed HR 4038 - the American SAFE Act of 2015 by a vote of 289-137.
The bill proposes instituting a stronger screening process for refugees from Iraq and Syria who apply for admission to the US. Rep. Grayson voted with 134 Democrats and two Republicans against the bill.
Source: Ballotpedia.org coverage of Syrian Refugee crisis
Nov 19, 2015
Ann Kirkpatrick:
Screening process for refugees from Iraq & Syria ok as-is
Ballotpedia.org analysis of Congressional voting record on immigration issues: Rep. Kirkpatrick voted NAY on November 19, 2015, when the House passed HR 4038 - the American SAFE Act of 2015 by a vote of 289-137.
The bill proposes instituting a stronger screening process for refugees from Iraq and Syria who apply for admission to the US. Rep. Kirkpatrick voted with 134 Democrats and two Republicans against the bill.
Source: Ballotpedia.org coverage of Syrian Refugee crisis
Nov 19, 2015
Joe Heck:
Stronger screening process for refugees from Iraq and Syria
Ballotpedia.org analysis of Congressional voting record on immigration issues: Rep. Heck voted YEA on November 19, 2015, when the House passed HR 4038 - the American SAFE Act of 2015 by a vote of 289-137.
The bill proposes instituting a stronger screening process for refugees from Iraq and Syria who apply for admission to the U.S. Heck voted with 241 Republicans and 47 Democrats in favor of the bill.
Source: Ballotpedia.org coverage of Syrian Refugee crisis
Nov 19, 2015
Pat McCrory:
Stop sending Syrian refugees to North Carolina
Attorney General Roy Cooper, a Democrat who's running against Gov. Pat McCrory, is largely backing the governor's stance on the issue of Syrian refugees. McCrory has repeatedly called on President Barack Obama this week to stop sending Syrians to North
Carolina in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks. "As chief law enforcement officer of North Carolina, I support asking the federal government to pause refugee entries to make sure we have the most effective screening process possible so our
humanitarian efforts are not hijacked," Cooper said. "At the same time, we must not let political fear-mongering on this issue divert our attention and resources from stopping terrorists who may already be here or who are trying to get into our country
in other ways."Obama has said the U.S. will continue to take in Syrian refugees, but his position saw very little support from North Carolina leaders in his own party. A legislative commission voted unanimously Wednesday to side with McCrory.
Source: Raleigh News-Observer on Syrian Refugees
Nov 19, 2015
Kate Brown:
Open the doors of opportunity for Syrian refugees
Gov. Kate Brown broke her silence on the controversy over resettling Syrian refugees, saying that Oregon will "open the doors of opportunity" for displaced people. "Clearly, Oregon will continue to accept refugees," Brown tweeted. "They seek safe haven
and we will continue to open the doors of opportunity for them." Brown posted a second tweet: "The words on the Statue of Liberty apply in Oregon just as they do in every other state."In a letter to Rep. Bill Post, R-Keizer, Brown said she has neither
the authority nor the will to keep Syrian refugees from resettling in Oregon. "As Oregonians, it is our moral obligation to help them rebuild their lives," Brown wrote. "In Oregon we will continue to abide by federal laws regarding resettlement.
Oregon does not have a direct role or act independently of the federal government."
Brown's statements came as a wave of mostly Republican governors across the U.S. have sought to close state borders to Syrian refugees.
Source: The Oregonian on Syrian refugees: 2016 Oregon governor race
Nov 17, 2015
Maggie Hassan:
Temporarily halt acceptance of refugees from Syria
Given that ISIS has proven that it can expand its violence beyond the Mideast, it is prudent to take a step back and make sure that every possible action is being taken to protect American citizens here at home. That is why I have called for the federal
government to temporarily halt acceptance of refugees from Syria until intelligence and defense officials can assure that the process for vetting all refugees is as strong as possible to ensure public safety.This should be a temporary measure.
The federal government can and must work in a timely fashion to conduct a thorough re-evaluation of every step in the screening process.
When it comes to refugee resettlement, the federal government also needs to improve its coordination with local
officials. As governor, I know firsthand that the federal government does not do enough to communicate with local public safety officials about who is being resettled, what their backgrounds are, and how they have been screened--and that needs to change.
Source: Hassan OpEd in Manchester Union Leader on Syrian Refugees
Nov 17, 2015
Maggie Hassan:
Close borders for now; but welcome ISIS refugees later
We are a welcoming nation of immigrants, and we must always continue to be. Throughout our history, the United States has been an extraordinary force for good in the world, and as we work to protect our country and our allies, we cannot lose sight of the
inclusive values of our founders or of our commitment to addressing humanitarian crises.We cannot demonize an entire people or forever close our borders. We must recognize that if we don't remain a welcoming, inclusive and diverse nation, then we will
cease to be America. It's in the interests of our nation--both based on our values and our national security--to aid the vulnerable people, including women and children, who are fleeing from the atrocities and terror of ISIS.
After we re-evaluate and strengthen our security measures, we must engage in the process of addressing this humanitarian crisis.
Source: Hassan OpEd in Manchester Union Leader on Syrian Refugees
Nov 17, 2015
Andrew Cuomo:
No comment on changing rules for Syrian refugees in NY
Gov. Andrew Cuomo isn't commenting on a request from a New York congressman and a state assemblyman that he prevent Syrian refugees from being placed in the state. U.S. Rep. Chris Collins and Assemblyman Christopher Friend, both
Republicans, cited the threat of terrorism in calling on Cuomo to reject additional refugees. A spokesman for Cuomo, a Democrat, declined to comment.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Bill Haslam:
Suspend placing Syrian refugees in Tennessee
Gov. Bill Haslam says he is asking the federal government to suspend placement of Syrian refugees in Tennessee. In a statement released to the media,
Haslam acknowledges that the federal government has the authority to place refugees but states, "They have said in the past they would be open to cooperating with receiving states."
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Bill Walker:
Deal with budget instead of focusing on Syrian refugees
The oil-dependent state is grappling with an estimated budget deficit of $3.5 billion amid low oil prices, and Gov. Bill Walker, a Republican turned independent, "has been focused on solving the state's fiscal challenges," a spokeswoman said by email.
She said Walker has not given any consideration to trying to stop Syrian refugees from settling in the state.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Brian Sandoval:
Review Syrian refugee resettlement --but don't halt it
Gov. Brian Sandoval says he wants the White House to review the process of refugee resettlement in light of the attacks.
The Republican didn't go as far as other governors, who threatened to halt efforts to allow Syrian refugees into their states.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Bruce Rauner:
Temporarily suspend accepting new Syrian refugees
Gov. Bruce Rauner joined the growing list of Republican governors who announced they want to prevent Syrian refugees from relocating in their states.
Rauner said the state will "temporarily suspend accepting new Syrian refugees and consider all of our legal options pending a full review of the process by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security."
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Butch Otter:
Halt Syrian refugees until vetting rules instituted
Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has joined a growing number of Republican governors calling for the immediate halt of resettling new refugees
until vetting rules can be reviewed and state concerns about the program can be addressed.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Dan Malloy:
Continue to accept refugees from Syria
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy says Connecticut will continue to accept refugees from Syria. The Democrat told NBC Connecticut on Monday the state is committed to accepting the refugees and believes background checks could easily be performed.
His spokesman said the administration is continuing to work with federal officials and await guidance as "they develop procedures following the tragedy in Paris."
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Dennis Daugaard:
S.D. shouldn't expect any Syrian refugees
Gov. Dennis Daugaard's office says it doesn't expect to receive any Syrian refugees.
A spokesman says it's not at all clear that the state would have any say over the refugee program, which the federal government manages.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Doug Ducey:
Immediate halt to placement of any new Mideast refugees
Gov. Doug Ducey is calling for an immediate halt to the placement of any new refugees from the Middle East. Ducey made it clear that the state is within its legal rights to do so, saying that he is invoking the state's right under federal law to
immediately consult with U.S. officials on any new refugee placements. He also wants Congress to change the law to give states more oversight over refugee placement. Ducey says national leaders must react to protect its citizens.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Earl Ray Tomblin:
We'll screen Syrian refugees if they arrive
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin's office says he does not anticipate a federal request for placement of refugees in West Virginia. In a statement, Tomblin's office says the governor has not been contacted by the federal government regarding large-scale placements
of Syrian refugees, and that any smaller placements likely would take more than a year. The statement says the state would ensure "that proper security screening was conducted by federal and state officials."
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Gary Herbert:
Review Syrian refugee security, but keep accepting them
Gov. Gary Herbert is ordering a review of security checks for refugees coming to Utah, but he stopped short of threatening to stop accepting Syrian refugees.
Herbert said he wants to help those fleeing violence but that public safety is the top priority.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Gina Raimondo:
Help settle Syrian refugees
Gov. Gina Raimondo said in September she's willing to help if the federal government asks Rhode Island to host Syrian refugees.
Raimondo's spokeswoman says the governor would coordinate closely with the White House and law enforcement if the state receives a request now.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Greg Abbott:
Ordered no more Syrian refugee resettlement
Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday ordered Texas' refugee resettlement program not to accept any more Syrians. In a letter to Obama,
the Republican also urged scrapping federal plans to accept more Syrian refugees into the country as a whole. He said the federal government can't perform "proper security checks" on Syrians.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Jack Dalrymple:
N.D. shouldn't expect any Syrian refugees
The office of Gov. Jack Dalrymple says North Dakota has not received any
Syrian refugees and doesn't expect any will be sent to the state.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Jay Inslee:
Washington state welcomes Syrian refugees
Gov. Jay Inslee says Washington state will welcome Syrian refugees.
In a statement, Inslee also criticized other governors who have threatened to stop accepting refugees.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
John Hickenlooper:
Stringent verification process for Syrian refugees
Colorado's governor isn't ruling out Syrian refugees.
But Gov. John Hickenlooper says the federal government needs to make sure the verification process for refugees is "as stringent as possible."
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Larry Hogan:
Reasoned & careful decision about resettling Syrian refugees
Gov. Larry Hogan says Maryland will "make a very reasoned and careful decision" about how it will proceed in policy regarding potential Syrian refugees.
The Republican said the issue is one that "we'll be looking at very closely."
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Maggie Hassan:
Halt acceptance of Syrian refugees until fully vetted
Gov. Maggie Hassan says the United States should halt the acceptance of Syrian refugees until intelligence and defense officials can assure a strong process for vetting refugees.
Hassan also says more facts are needed on how the attackers got into Paris before the United States takes more Syrian refugees.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Mary Fallin:
Suspend sending Syrian refugees until checking is assured
Republican Gov. Mary Fallin is urging President Barack Obama to suspend accepting any Syrian refugees to the U.S.
Fallin said the Obama administration needs to assure the public that it is conducting rigorous background checks on any Syrian refugees coming into the U.S.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Matt Bevin:
Oppose the resettlement of Syrian refugees
Kentucky's incoming Republican governor has joined governors of several states in opposing the resettlement of Syrian refugees. Republican Gov.-elect Matt Bevin's stance is at odds with Kentucky's current governor.
Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear says Kentucky should do "the Christian thing" and welcome all refugees who have passed extensive background checks.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Mike Pence:
Suspend the relocation of any more Syrian refugees
Republican Gov. Mike Pence announced that he was ordering state agencies to suspend the relocation of any more
Syrian refugees to Indiana until he receives assurances from the federal government that proper security measures have been taken.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Nathan Deal:
Executive order to not accept Syrian refugees
Gov. Nathan Deal says the state will not accept Syrian refugees. Deal, a Republican, says he issued an executive order directing state officials to prevent resettlement of Syrian refugees in Georgia.
He also asked the Obama administration to work with Georgia officials to confirm the backgrounds of Syrian refugees already resettled in Georgia.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Pat McCrory:
Cease sending Syrian refugees until checking is effective
Gov. Pat McCrory is asking the Obama administration to cease sending refugees from Syria to
North Carolina until the state is satisfied with the effectiveness of federal background and security checks.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Peter Ricketts:
No Syrian refugee resettlement until full federal review
Gov. Pete Ricketts says he does not want Syrian refugees resettling in Nebraska until the federal government conducts a full review of its screening procedures to ensure public safety.
The Republican sent a letter to refugee resettlement agencies in the state, urging them not to pursue resettlement of the refugees in light of the attacks in Paris.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Peter Shumlin:
Rejecting Syrian refugee stomps on American greatness
Gov. Peter Shumlin says his colleagues across the nation who say they won't allow Syrian refugees into their states are "stomping on the qualities that make America great." Shumlin says there is an extensive screening process in place for refugees.
Since 1989, about 7,000 refugees have been resettled in Vermont. While none of them are from Syria, there are plans to settle a small number in the state during the current fiscal year.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Phil Bryant:
Do everything possible to keep Syrian refugees out of MS
Gov. Phil Bryant said that he's trying to find out if there are any plans by the federal government to relocate any
Syrian refugees in the state and if there are the Republican said he will "do everything humanly possible" to stop it.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Rick Scott:
Aggressively block attempts to relocate Syrian refugees
Gov. Rick Scott is calling on Congress to block attempts by the Obama administration to relocate Syrian refugees to Florida. The Republican governor
wrote a letter to congressional leaders that asked them to take "immediate and aggressive action" to prevent the relocation of Syrian refugees without an "extensive evaluation" of the risk the refugees may pose to national security.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Rick Snyder:
Welcome Syrian refugees to Michigan, after full review
Gov. Rick Snyder had bucked many fellow Republican leaders by welcoming refugees to Michigan, which has a large Arab-American population. But he said Sunday that the state is postponing efforts to accept refugees
until federal officials fully review security procedures and clearances. Snyder said that while he is proud of the state's history of immigration, its "first priority is protecting the safety of our residents."
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Robert Bentley:
Refuse Syrian refugees relocating to Alabama
Republican Gov. Robert Bentley says he'll refuse Syrian refugees relocating to the state. He issued a news release
Sunday, saying: "I will not stand complicit to a policy that places the citizens of Alabama in harm's way."
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Sam Brownback:
Executive order to not assist Syrian refugees
Republican Gov. Sam Brownback issued an executive order directing that no state agency, or organization receiving grant money
from the state, shall participate or assist in the relocation of Syrian refugees.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Steve Bullock:
Safety first; review protocols for Syrian refugees
Montana will not allow any terrorist organization to intimidate us into abandoning our values. The safety of Montanans is my top priority. No Syrian refugees have been settled in the state and we have had no formal requests to do so. Montana
has a process in place for considering refugee settlement requests; we are reviewing those protocols to ensure that if a request comes, we take all appropriate steps to ensure that the safety of Montanans will not be jeopardized by their placement.
Source: KPAX-TV-8 on Syrian Refugees in 2016 Montana governor race
Nov 16, 2015
Susana Martinez:
No more Syrian refugees until vetting plan in place
Gov. Susana Martinez says she's opposed to the Obama administration's plan to accept any more Syrian refugees until there's a clear plan in place to properly vet and place them.
Martinez, the nation's only Latina governor and a leader within the Republican Governors Association, says the top priority should be safety.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Terry McAuliffe:
Syrian refugee already undergo intensive security screening
A spokesman for Virginia's governor says his public safety team is communicating with federal authorities about refugee resettlements, including those involving Syrians.
On behalf of Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe, the statement says every refugee settled in the U.S. undergoes intensive security screening.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Tom Wolf:
Continue resettling Syrian refugees with federal screening
Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf said his administration will keep working with the federal government
to properly screen and resettle Syrian refugees in the state.
Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis
Nov 16, 2015
Donald Trump:
Need to keep database of Muslim refugees
Q: You did stir up a controversy with those comments about a database for all US Muslims--but are you now unequivocally now ruling out a database on all Muslims?
TRUMP: No, not at all. I want a database for the refugees that come into the country. We have no idea who these people are.
When the Syrian refugees are going to start pouring into this country, we don't know if they're ISIS, we don't know if it's a Trojan horse.
And I definitely want a database and other checks and balances.
We want to go with watchlists.
Q: Just for the record, though, the statistics do show the majority of the refugees coming in are women and children.
Source: ABC This Week 2015 interview on Syrian Refugee crisis
Nov 15, 2015
Maggie Hassan:
Ensure robust screening before we admit refugees from Syria
Ballotpedia.org analysis of stances on Syrian refugee resettlement: After the attacks in Paris, France, on November 13, 2015, many U.S. governors declared their support or opposition to Syrian refugee resettlement in their states.
Hassan expressed conditional opposition to the resettlement of Syrian refugees in the state of New Hampshire. Her spokesman said:
"[The governor] has always made clear that we must ensure robust refugee screening to protect American citizens, and believes that we must know more of the facts about those who
carried out the Paris terrorist attacks and have strong assurances of safety from our intelligence officials before we admit refugees from Syria into the United States."
Source: Ballotpedia.org coverage of Syrian Refugee crisis
Nov 13, 2015
Donald Trump:
Syrian refugees are a Trojan Horse
Q: Does the U.S. get involved in making a safe zone for Syrian refugees?TRUMP: I would help them economically, even though we owe $19 trillion. What I won't do is take in 200,000 Syrians who could be ISIS. I have been watching this migration.
They're mostly men, and they're strong men. They look like prime-time soldiers. Now, it's probably not true, but where are the women? You see some women. You see some children.
But for the most part, I'm looking at these strong men. So, you ask two things. Number one, why aren't they fighting for their country? And, number two, I don't want these people coming over here.
Two hundred thousand people? This could be the greatest Trojan horse. This could make the Trojan horse look like peanuts if these people turned out to be a lot of ISIS.
Source: CBS Face the Nation 2015 interview on Syrian Refugee crisis
Oct 11, 2015
Donald Trump:
Syrian refugee crisis partly our fault; but don't take any
Q: A few weeks back, you said we'd have to take some Syrian refugees in on humanitarian grounds. But just this week you seemed to reverse it. What changed?TRUMP: I saw the migration and it seems like so many men. There aren't that many women or childr
It looked like mostly men and they looked like strong men.
Q: Half the refugees are children.
TRUMP: We don't know where they're coming from. We don't know who they are. They could be ISIS. I understand the whole thing with migration.
It's a horrible thing. It should have never happened in the first place. We screwed up the Middle East so badly, with breaking up Iraq. We have so destabilized the Middle East. So I said there's no way they come in. If they do come in,
if I win for president, they're going out.
Q: Even the kids?
TRUMP: Look, Europe should take some probably, because you have the Gulf States, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar--some of the richest countries and they're not taking any in.
Source: ABC This Week 2015 interview on Syrian Refugee crisis
Oct 4, 2015
Tim Kaine:
Allow more Syrian Refugees to resettle in US
Kaine joined 13 of his Senate colleagues in sending a letter urging President Obama to significantly increase the number of Syrian refugees allowed to resettle in the United States. The Syrian conflict has led to the world's worst ongoing humanitarian
crisis and the worst refugee crisis since World War II.[The letter included]: "Our nation's founders came to our shores to escape religious persecution and the United States has a long tradition of providing safe haven to refugees," the senators
wrote. "The United States traditionally accepts at least 50 percent of resettlement cases from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). However, we have accepted only approximately 700 refugees since the beginning of the Syrian conflict, an
unacceptably low number. While the United States is the largest donor of humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees, we must also dramatically increase the number of Syrian refugees that we accept for resettlement."
Source: Kaine's Senate office press release, "Syrian Refugees"
May 21, 2015
Page last updated: Dec 03, 2021