Miller co-sponsors bill to increase oversight of Syrian refugees entering the US

Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI), vice chair of the House Homeland Security Committee and chair of the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, is urging caution in U.S. policy on refugees fleeing violence in Syria.

Miller is cosponsoring H.R. 3537, the Refugee Resettlement Oversight and Security Act, legislation that grants Congressional oversight of the Syrian Refugee Resettlement Program. She said that while the United States has a long history of helping those around the world who seek refuge from political and religious persecution, the current refugee situation presents a risk to American security.

“While it is important that the U.S. continues to help those in need of refuge, we can’t ignore the serious threat these terrorist organizations pose to our homeland security.” Miller said. “Syria is home to the largest convergence of Islamist terror organizations, many of whom are committed to carrying out attacks against the U.S. and its allies.”

Miller believes that the U.S. needs to impose a high level of scrutiny when it comes to accepting refugees from Syria to avoid allowing terrorists to enter the country.

The Refugee Resettlement Oversight and Security Act would require approval by both the House and Senate before any refugees are admitted to the U.S. The bill would also allow Congress to block any refugee resettlement plan put forward by President Barack Obama's administration.

The bill would put other restrictions on the Obama administration’s refugee assistance programs, such as prioritizing the resettlement of religious minorities from Syria and Iraq. The proposed bill would also give the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI more oversight of the process before admitting refugees into the country.

Miller has represented Michigan's 10th District in the House of Representatives since 2003.