American SAFE Act of 2015

SAFE Act
Great Seal of the United States
Full title American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015
Acronym SAFE
Colloquial name(s) American SAFE Act of 2015
Introduced in 114th United States Congress
Introduced on November 17, 2015
Sponsored by Michael McCaul
Number of Co-Sponsors 103
Agencies affected FBI, Department of Homeland Security, National Intelligence Program
Legislative history

The SAFE Act (acronym for Safety Against Foreign Enemies) is an American legislative proposal for Syrian and Iraqi refugees that would require extra background investigation before entry into the United States.

The bill was first introduced in the House on November 17th, 2015, H.R. 4038 by Michael McCaul,[1] and has since been passed by the House.

Additional procedure to authorize admission for each refugee[1]

Background

The SAFE Act was created in response to the November 2015 Paris attacks, out of concern that ISIL terrorists would enter the United States posing as refugees fleeing Syria.[2]

Criticism

FBI Director James Comey said the SAFE Act "seeks to micromanage the process in a way that is counter-productive to national security, to our humanitarian obligation, and the overall ability to focus on Homeland Security".[3]

Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini pointed out that the Paris attackers were EU citizens, not Syrian refugees.[4]

Barack Obama threatened to veto the legislation if passed.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 "H.R.4038 — 114th Congress (2015-2016)". Congress.gov. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  2. "House votes to curb Syrian refugees, snubs Obama veto threat". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  3. 1 2 Perez, Evan. "First on CNN: FBI Director James Comey balks at refugee legislation". CNN.com. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  4. Hock, Dylan. "Paris Attackers Weren’t Refugees, According to Top EU Official". U.S. Uncut. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
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