Jefferson Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 3, 2024 — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), alongside 32 of their colleagues, have voiced strong opposition to President Biden's proposed initiative to welcome Gazan refugees into the United States. The Senators have raised significant concerns regarding potential national security risks associated with admitting individuals from Gaza, citing worries about terrorist ties.

In a letter addressed to President Biden, the Senators emphasized the need for prioritizing the return of American citizens currently held hostage by Hamas in Gaza over the acceptance of Gazan refugees. They stated, “Your administration’s reported plan to accept Gazan refugees poses a national security risk to the United States...We demand that your administration cease planning for accepting Gazan refugees until you adequately answer our concerns and focus your attention instead on securing the release of U.S. hostages held by Hamas.”

Highlighting the importance of stringent vetting procedures, the Senators stressed the necessity of preventing individuals with terrorist affiliations or sympathies from entering the United States. They pointed out the challenge of distinguishing between refugees and potential threats, especially considering Hamas's history of blending in with civilian populations in Gaza.

Expressing skepticism about the administration's ability to effectively vet refugees, the Senators questioned the reliability of the screening process for individuals crossing the Egypt-Gaza border. They underscored recent instances of individuals on the FBI terror watch list being apprehended at the U.S. border, raising doubts about the government's proficiency in handling security threats.

The Senators further sought clarification from President Biden on various aspects of the refugee acceptance plan, including the number of refugees to be admitted, screening mechanisms to prevent terrorist sympathizers from entering the country, financial implications for taxpayers, consultations with regional partners, and details regarding refugee housing locations.

In addition to Senators Britt and Ernst, the letter was endorsed by several other Republican lawmakers, reflecting a unified stance on the issue. The full text of the Senators' letter to President Biden can be accessed for further details and insights into their concerns.