11.17.15

Durbin Expresses Solidarity with People of France, Says Those who Would Turn Away Refugees Have Forgotten the Lesson of History

Shortsighted to close the door on all Syrian refugees—America should instead redouble our efforts and focus on the vetting process to keep America safe

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke on the Senate floor to offer condolences for the lives lost in Friday’s horrific terrorist attacks in Paris, and to express solidarity with the people of France. Durbin also responded to statements by several Republican state governors who claim that their states would suspend accepting new Syrian refugees:

   

“I want to add my voice to others here today in sharing my deepest condolences and solidarity with the people of that great nation,” said Durbin. “Some have reacted to the tragedy in France by calling for us to suspend refugees coming to this country. Many of these people have not reflected on the refugee situation in our country. Each year, the United States accepts about 70,000 refugees from around the world. These refugees are each carefully investigated, reviewed, and vetted. That process takes anywhere from 18 to 24 months before a refugee from any part of the world is allowed to enter the United States. We do everything humanly possible and take extraordinary efforts to make certain that dangerous people do not arrive on our shores. That vetting process must continue, and when it comes to suspicious circumstances, must be doubled in its intensity to make certain that our nation is safe. But those who are focusing on that as the answer to what happened in Paris are very shortsighted.”

   

Video of Durbin’s remarks is available here.

 

Audio of Durbin’s remarks is available here.

 

Footage of Durbin remarks is available for TV Stations using FTP in high definition here and in standard definition here.

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