Flanagan: Suspend NY Syrian Refugee Placement

STATEMENT FROM SENATE MAJORITY LEADER JOHN J. FLANAGAN RE. PLACEMENT OF SYRIAN REFUGEES IN NEW YORK STATE

While the plight of the hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing Middle East violence is a global tragedy, last week’s horrific attacks on innocent Parisians reinforces that our first priority must continue to be the safety and security of Americans.

The placement of Syrian refugees must be suspended until there is an effective vetting process in place that prevents terrorists from seizing an opportunity to sneak into the United States. Unfortunately, government and security experts have said our current system cannot guarantee that ISIS - or others intent on harming us - would be prevented from joining the refugees sent to our communities. This is not acceptable.