Washington, D.C. — The tragic event in Paris last week was a horrific attack on humanity, but defeating an enemy as dangerous and determined as ISIL will be a long fight. Now, as the President’s Administration coordinates with our partners to defeat ISIL, we cannot turn our backs on those most threatened by the terrorist group.
The refugees that have captivated so much attention in the wake of Friday’s attack are fleeing precisely the type of senseless slaughter that occurred in Paris. To slam the door in their faces — to decide not to help when we know that we can help — would be a betrayal of our values. It would be un-American.
The President has announced a plan to resettle at least 10,000 Syrian refugees in the United States next year. We remain steadfastly committed to that plan because it is consistent with our values and our national security.
“We’re going to visit and invite visitors. We’re going to do the right thing by refugees. I mean, how is it that somebody can suddenly say that a 50-year-old woman with her grandchildren is going to be a threat and that we can’t process people adequately to keep faith with our values in this country? We’re going to continue to be proud in this department to represent the United States of America.”
-Secretary Kerry at the Overseas Security Advisory Council’s Annual Briefing, November 18, 2015
