Syrian Refugees: House Votes to Deny Entrance Into the US Despite White House Veto Threat

The attacks in Paris on Friday, followed by the many videos released by the Islamic State, have proved that there is a need to heighten security in big cities and target areas around the globe. Unfortunately, for many, this also means denying the entrance of Syrian refugees in the U.S.

In a report by the Los Angeles Times, it seems that House Republicans and a number of Democrats are fighting President Barack Obama on the issue of housing refugees, even with the threat of a White House veto.

The House bill stated that refugees who wish to cross to the US should come under scrutiny, to ensure that they will pose no threats. In doing so, they will have to undergo checks from National Intelligence, as well as heads of the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI.

The legislation passed by with a 289-137 vote and was rushed through in a wake of the Paris attack and of the reports that one of the terrorists entered Europe with the help of a fake Greek passport. Forty-seven Democrats added to the 242 Republicans to create a veto-proof majority voting for the bill.

The White House has proposed to admitting at least 10,000 refugees to the US this fiscal year and has noted that the House bill has created "unnecessary and impractical requirements" in the screening process that could take as long as 24 months. According to USA Today, the White House has issued a veto threat and Democratic leaders are determined to block the bill.

Those opposed to the House Bill have pointed out that there is already a vigorous screening process in place for the refugees, and that the bill's new requirements will prolong the process and will effectively shut down the resettlement program for the already struggling Syrians.

Many Democrats are still behind Obama on the refugee issue. Rep John Conyers of Michigan, for instance, called the bill "an extreme overreaction."

"It would effectively deny refugee status for Syrians and Iraqis who are victims of terrorism in their own homelands. Rather than betraying our values, we must continue to focus on the most effective means to keep us safe while also providing protection for the world's most vulnerable," he said.

CNN said that according to a statement from the White House, Obama is determined to veto the bill should it make its way to his desk, saying that the demands are "untenable."

The safety of the people is the issue that members of the legislation are trying to solve. Do you think it is best if Syrian refugees are denied entrance to the U.S. or do you think it compromises the value of being a U.S. Citizen?