Bowling Green Today

U.S Senator Rand Paul and U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, along with 33 other Republican Senators, have voiced their concerns over the Biden administration's reported plan to welcome Gazan refugees into the United States. Senator Paul emphasized, "Our first obligation should be to rescue our own citizens, not Gazans."

In a joint statement, the senators urged President Biden to reconsider the plan, citing worries about potential terrorist ties among the Gazan population. They highlighted the importance of prioritizing the return of American citizens held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. The senators expressed skepticism about the administration's ability to effectively vet Gazan refugees for security threats, especially considering the significant support for Hamas among the Gazan populace.

The lawmakers pointed out the risks associated with admitting individuals with terrorist connections into the country, referencing previous instances where individuals on the FBI terror watch lists were apprehended at the border. They questioned the administration's capacity to adequately screen refugees crossing from the Egypt-Gaza border, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to prevent any security threats.

To address their concerns, the senators requested detailed information from President Biden regarding the number of refugees to be accepted, the screening processes in place, costs to taxpayers, consultations with regional partners, and arrangements for refugee housing.

The senators' call to halt the plan to welcome Gazan refugees underscores their commitment to safeguarding national security interests and prioritizing the well-being of American citizens. For further details, the full letter from the senators can be accessed on Senator Rand Paul's official website.