On the recordDecember 2, 2015
It starts with registration with the United Nations, interview with the United Nations, refugee status granted by the United Nations, referral for resettlement in the United States, interview with State Department contractors, the first background check, higher level background checks, another background check, fingerprint screening with a photo taken, the second fingerprint screening, the third fingerprint screening, the case reviewed by U.S. immigration headquarters and then in some cases referred for additional review, extensive in-person interviews with Homeland Security officers, and then--and only then-- could Homeland Security approval be required. At that point the potential refugee is screened for contagious diseases, goes through a cultural orientation class, matched with an American resettlement agency, goes through a multiagency security check before leaving to enter the United States, and then faces a final security check when they arrive at an American airport. I am entering this into the Record because those who are suggesting that we are taking Syrian refugees without appropriate screening are not aware of the reality. It is a process that takes 18 to 24 months, and in the 4 years we have accepted about 2,000 Syrian refugees, not a single one has been found to be involved in a terrorist activity.…
