Reactions to Paris Attacks Clash on Whether to Accept Syrian Refugees

Reactions to Paris Attacks Clash on Whether to Accept Syrian Refugees
People gather at a makeshift memorial in front of "Le carillon" restaurant on Nov. 16, in the 10th district of Paris, following a series of coordinated terrorists attacks on Nov. 13. Alain Jocard/AFP/Getty Images
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WASHINGTON—The Paris terrorist attack on Nov. 13 demonstrated that ISIS could reach beyond the Middle East to a capital of a Western democracy. The attack has triggered an intense controversy in the United States on the admission of refugees from the Middle East.

ISIS took credit for the simultaneous attacks that killed 130 and wounded 300 plus, including one American. One of the slain terrorists possessed what was probably a fake Syrian passport and had used the cover of an immigrant among the thousands fleeing to Europe from the conflict in Syria.

In the United States, thirty state governors have announced they won’t accept Syrian refugees in their state for resettlement, although they lack the legal authority to stop the federal government from placing refugees in their states.

“In light of the Paris attack in Paris, I call on you to temporarily suspend the admission of all additional refugees into the United States pending a full review of the Syrian refugee resettlement program …, wrote Rep. Michael T. McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, in a letter, dated Nov. 16, addressed to President Obama. McCaul states that a real risk exists that ”terrorist groups will attempt to exploit the refugee resettlement program in order to gain entry into our country.”

(L to R) Melanie Nezer, HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society); Kevin Appleby, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB); and Jenny Yang, World Relief provide a briefing, Nov. 23, on "Refugee Vetting and Resettlement," hosted by U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. HIAS, USCCB, and World Relief, provide assistance to refugees admitted to the United States. (Gary Feuerberg/ Epoch Times)
(L to R) Melanie Nezer, HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society); Kevin Appleby, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB); and Jenny Yang, World Relief provide a briefing, Nov. 23, on "Refugee Vetting and Resettlement," hosted by U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. HIAS, USCCB, and World Relief, provide assistance to refugees admitted to the United States. Gary Feuerberg/ Epoch Times