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Maggie Hassan on Immigration |
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.
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.
Hassan is challenging Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte for her Senate seat. Ayotte's spokeswoman Liz Johnson told The Daily Beast that the senator thinks the government should stop accepting Syrian refugees for the time being. She said that's because the Feds cannot guarantee with complete certainty that none of the refugees currently being resettled here are affiliated with ISIS.
"[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."
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives: That the national emergency declared by the finding of the President on February 15, 2019, in Proclamation 9844 is hereby terminated.
Proclamation 9844 issued by the president on Feb. 15, 2019: Declares a state of national emergency at the southern border to address the issues of illegal immigration and criminal trafficking into the US: "The current situation at the southern border presents a border security and humanitarian crisis that threatens core national security interests and constitutes a national emergency. The southern border is a major entry point for criminals, gang members, and illicit narcotics. The problem of large-scale unlawful migration through the southern border is long-standing, and despite the executive branch's exercise of existing statutory authorities, the situation has worsened in certain respects in recent years. Because of the gravity of the current emergency situation, it is necessary for the Armed Forces to provide additional support to address the crisis."
Opposing the Proclamation (supporting the Resolution), ACLU press release, 2/15/2019 The ACLU issued the following statement upon filing a lawsuit: "By the president's very own admission in the Rose Garden, there is no national emergency. He just grew impatient and frustrated with Congress, and decided to move along his promise for a border wall 'faster.' This is a patently illegal power grab that hurts American communities and flouts the checks and balances that are hallmarks of our democracy."
Legislative outcome Passed House 245-182-5 roll #94 on Feb. 26; pass Senate 59-41 roll #49 on March 14; Vetoed by Pres. Trump; veto override failed, 248-181-3 (2/3 required), roll #127 on March 26