Pressure for U.S. to accept Syrian refugees mounts as crisis deepens

As the world watches drowned refugees wash up on Europe’s beaches, the United States is under pressure to do more to help the desperate victims of Syria’s civil war. Traditionally, the United States has led the world in accepting and resettling large numbers of those fleeing persecution, but refugee advocates warn it has fallen behind on Syria. Washington has promised to do more if it can, but Syrian refugees — even those screened and approved by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in crowded camps — are subject to stringent, and lengthy, U.S. security checks.

Waiting for months or years for resettlement is difficult for refugees, especially families living in difficult and often dangerous conditions.

Larry Yungk, senior resettlement officer for UNHCR

The United States is one of the countries that has agreed to take in the refugees, but it conducts a screening process of its own to ensure that those fleeing extremist violence do not bring it with them. Homeland Security officials fly to the Middle East and conduct interviews with families before approving them, amid fears that groups like the Islamic State might try to infiltrate the process. The procedure, which also includes medical checks, is described by one refugee worker as the most stringent for any category of traveler heading to the United States.

As compelling as it is, the situation of these refugees, our first priority is to protect the national security of the United States, to protect U.S. citizens.

State Department spokesman Mark Toner

World U.S. refugees