Consider repercussions to welcoming refugees

Letter date: 
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Letter publisher: 
Statesman Journal
Letter author: 
Elizabeth Van Staaveren
Letter body: 

While Oregonians are being asked to welcome large numbers of refugees, we must think of the repercussions on our towns and citizens.

President Obama plans to bring in at least 10,000 additional Syrian refugees to the U.S. this year. Simultaneously, we learn from testimony on June 16 by CIA Director John Brennan that grave danger comes through refugee flows.

His testimony can be seen and heard on a C-SPAN video posted on the internet.

He said that despite our progress against ISIL on the battlefield and in the financial realm, “our efforts have not reduced the group’s terrorism capability and global reach.” He pointed out that the resources needed for terrorism are modest, and that ISIL has a large cadre of western fighters who could attack in the West and is probably exploring ways to infiltrate more agents.

President Obama reduced the screening process to three months for Syrian refugees despite a warning from the FBI director that the U.S. cannot thoroughly screen them for terrorist ties even in the previously allotted 18-24 months.

We pray for peace, but there are too many hazards in bringing in current numbers. It is an unwise policy that should be resisted by Oregon’s governor.

Elizabeth Van Staaveren

McMinnville