The SAFE Act (full title American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015) was a United States legislative proposal for Syrian and Iraqi refugees that would require extra background investigation before entry into the US.
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| Long title | American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015 |
|---|---|
| Acronyms (colloquial) | SAFE |
| Nicknames | American SAFE Act of 2015 |
| Announced in | the 114th United States Congress |
| Sponsored by | Michael McCaul |
| Number of co-sponsors | 103 |
| Codification | |
| Agencies affected | FBI, Department of Homeland Security, National Intelligence Program |
| Legislative history | |
| |
Additional procedure to authorize admission for each refugee[1]
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) certifies they received a background investigation sufficient to determine whether the refugee is a U.S. security threat, to both the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Director of National Intelligence.
- The Department of Homeland Security, FBI and Director of National Intelligence unanimously certify to Congress that the refugee not such a threat.
The bill was first introduced in the House on November 17, 2015, H.R. 4038 by Michael McCaul.[1] It was passed by the House, but on January 20, 2016, it failed cloture in the senate (also known as a filibuster.)[2]
Background
editThe 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.[3]
Criticism
editFBI 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".[4]
Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini pointed out that the Paris attackers were EU citizens, not Syrian refugees.[5]
Barack Obama threatened to veto the legislation if passed.[4]
References
edit- ^ a b "H.R.4038 — 114th Congress (2015-2016)". Congress.gov. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
- ^ "American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015 (2016 - H.R. 4038)". GovTrack. Retrieved 4 July 2018.
- ^ "House votes to curb Syrian refugees, snubs Obama veto threat". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
- ^ a b Perez, Evan (19 November 2015). "First on CNN: FBI Director James Comey balks at refugee legislation". CNN.com. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
- ^ Porter, Tom (November 17, 2015). "Paris attacks: Police arrest man carrying same passport as one found near suicide bomber". International Business Times. Retrieved 1 November 2017.
It is all EU citizens so far. This can change with the hours, but so far it is quite clear it is an issue of internal domestic security.