North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) voted in favor of halting refugees from Iraq and Syria until “we are certain that no refugee from Iraq and Syria who is a threat will be allowed in the country.”

“We have a proud tradition in our country of helping those around the world who suffer from terrorism and civil war,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “But as lawmakers, our foremost job is to protect the people we represent. This legislation would halt our refugee program until we are certain that no refugee from Iraq and Syria who is a threat will be allowed in the country. Our government must work together at every level to keep our communities safe.”

Stefanik has voted in support of the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015.

This legislation requires comprehensive background checks of every refugee from Iraq or Syria before they can be admitted into the United States and certification that each does not pose a threat.

To ensure that comprehensive background checks are conducted on every refugee from Syria and Iraq seeking admittance into the United States, this bill will require two actions.

First the FBI director must certify the background investigation of each refugee. And second, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the FBI director, and the Director of National Intelligence must unanimously concur that each refugee is not a security threat to the United States and make a certification to Congress.