Hassan, Ayotte: No Syrian refugees

Following the November 13^th terrorist attacks in Paris, Gov. Maggie Hassan (D) and U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R) are both calling on Pres. Obama to improve the security screening process before accepting any more Syrian refugees.

“Reports indicate that at least one of the attackers apparently utilized the flow of refugees to infiltrate into Europe,” Ayotte wrote in a letter to Obama.  “These facts require a serious and objective reexamination of the Administration's policy toward Syrian refugees to avoid unnecessary risks.” 

“The Governor believes that the federal government should halt acceptance of refugees from Syria until intelligence and defense officials can assure that the process for vetting all refugees, including those from Syria, is as strong as possible to ensure the safety of the American people,” said a spokesman for Hassan. 

Refugee resettlement organizations have responded that Syrian refugees are fleeing the same violence and terrorism that struck Paris, and the U.S. should not turn them away.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D) also noted that the U.S. screening process for refugees is already much more rigorous than the screening process in Europe. 

She said in a statement, “The United States has always given sanctuary to those fleeing persecution and New Hampshire has always done its part to help.  We must ensure that our treatment of refugees continues to adhere to our principles as a nation.” 

The Concord Monitor reports that right now only one Syrian refugee family has settled in New Hampshire.  

Do you think New Hampshire should accept Syrian refugees? Comment below!

(Image depicts Syrian refugees at a camp in Jordan)