Sen. Cruz Issues Statement Regarding President Trump’s Executive Order to Facilitate Stronger Vetting Procedures for Refugees
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s recent executive order to facilitate stronger vetting procedures for refugees:
"We live in a dangerous world, and for eight long years the Obama administration remained willfully blind to the threat of radical Islamic terrorism, admitting tens of thousands of refugees whom the FBI expressly told Congress they could not be certain were not terrorists. That Obama policy made no sense, and it made America less safe. If we are serious about combating the threat of radical Islam, we must reform and strengthen our refugee programs to ensure proper vetting of those entering our country—especially when they are coming from nations that are hotbeds of terror. This is crucial to our national security and to protecting American lives, and it is a priority for which I have long advocated.
"I commend President Trump for rejecting Obama's willful blindness, and for acting swiftly to try to prevent terrorists from infiltrating our refugee programs. In contrast to the hysteria and mistruths being pushed by the liberal media, President Trump’s executive order implements a four-month pause in refugee admissions so that stronger vetting procedures can be put in place. This is a commonsense step that the American people overwhelmingly support. The executive order also calls for the prioritization of religious minorities, a welcome change from an Obama administration that functionally discriminated against religious minorities, who are especially vulnerable to persecution and genocide.
"DHS Secretary John Kelly was just confirmed overwhelmingly, and I have confidence that he will provide the leadership needed to properly implement these reforms. I am already pleased to see him announce that some legitimate concerns about the non-refugee aspects of this order are being handled properly, and that lawful permanent residents will be given priority in entering the country.
"It is incumbent upon Congress to pass legislation to further assist in these efforts. Congress should pass the Terrorist Refugee Infiltration Protection Act, to insure that all refugees are properly vetted. In addition, the executive order calls for greater influence from the states in this process, and the State Refugee Security Act that I just introduced with Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) would do just that. Both bills are commonsense steps to keep us safe, and should be something that all senators and representatives, regardless of political party, can unite behind."
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