A group of Republicans in the House of Representatives is working on legislation to ban all refugees from settling in the United States, reports Foreign Policy.
While the proposed legislation sounds similar to Donald Trump’s proposal to block immigration from all “areas of the world where there is a proven history of terrorism,” the refugee ban makes no distinctions based on country of origin.
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas) and 85 other Republicans, prohibits the admission of refugees until Congress passes a joint resolution authorizing the Department of Homeland Security to resume the resettlement of foreigners. It also requires the Government Accountability Office to report on refugees who receive benefits under Medicare, Medicaid, disability insurance, and other programs.
“Our bill puts the safety of American citizens first by putting a moratorium on the refugee program until we can ensure this program does not constitute a security threat to our nation,” Babin wrote in a letter addressed to colleagues urging their support.
…In justifying the legislation, Babin cited the massacre of 49 people at an Orlando nightclub by suspect Omar Mateen, who allegedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State before carrying out the terror attack. Though Mateen is not an immigrant (he’s the son of Afghan immigrants) Babin said that doesn’t matter. “We have radical jihad Islamists that are coming into our country. It may be one generation away, but nevertheless, they’re radicalizing,” he said during a radio interview on Breitbart Daily News Tuesday.
Got something to say about what you're reading? We value your feedback!