Duval Times

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) have joined forces with a group of colleagues to demand answers from President Joe Biden regarding the reported plan to bring unvetted Palestinian refugees from Gaza into the United States. In a letter addressed to President Biden, the senators expressed their concerns about the national security risks associated with accepting Gazan refugees, particularly in light of the control Hamas exerts over the region.

The letter, also signed by Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and several other senators, highlighted the potential dangers of admitting individuals from an area where terrorist activities are prevalent. The senators emphasized the need for thorough vetting procedures to prevent individuals with terrorist ties or sympathies from entering the country under the guise of being refugees.

Furthermore, the senators raised questions about the practicality and implications of the refugee plan, particularly in terms of security screenings, funding, and coordination with regional partners such as Egypt. They also pointed out the potential for the refugee policy to escalate tensions at the Gaza-Egypt border and questioned why other nearby countries have refrained from accepting Gazan refugees due to security concerns.

The senators urged President Biden to prioritize the safety and security of American citizens, including those held hostage by Hamas, before proceeding with plans to accept Gazan refugees. They underscored the need for clarity on the number of refugees to be accepted, screening mechanisms to identify individuals with terrorist links, and the logistical details of transport, housing, and resettlement.

The letter concluded with a deadline of May 15, 2024, for President Biden to provide detailed responses to their inquiries, emphasizing the importance of addressing these concerns before moving forward with any refugee resettlement plans.