Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott and Senator Joni Ernst, along with 33 of their colleagues, have penned a letter to President Biden urging him to halt his reported plan to welcome Gazan refugees into the United States. The senators expressed concerns about potential terrorist ties and emphasized the need to prioritize the return of American citizens held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

In the letter, the senators 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.”

According to a recent poll, over 70% of Gazans viewed Hamas’s attack on Israel as the "correct" decision, raising further apprehensions about the potential for terrorist sympathizers among the refugee population.

Highlighting the importance of thorough vetting, the senators emphasized the risks associated with admitting individuals from a region where terrorist groups like Hamas have a significant presence. They pointed out the challenges in ensuring that individuals with terrorist ties or sympathies are not granted entry into the United States.

Additionally, the lawmakers raised concerns about the administration's ability to effectively vet refugees, referencing past instances where individuals on the FBI terror watch list were apprehended at the border. They questioned the administration's capacity to adequately screen refugees crossing from Egypt into Gaza, given the distance and logistical challenges involved.

To address these concerns and safeguard national security, the senators requested President Biden to provide details on the number of refugees to be accepted, the screening processes in place, costs to taxpayers, consultation with regional partners, and locations for refugee housing.

The letter serves as a strong call to action, urging the administration to reconsider its plans and prioritize the safety and security of the American homeland.