(Washington, DC) – On November 19, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 4038 and reject Syrian refugees fleeing violence, oppression, and persecution. The individuals and families fleeing Syria are currently some of the most vulnerable refugees that are prone to violence and terrorism. Even though the United States strict refugee vetting procedures entail several levels of security screening, background checks, and other safeguards, the passage of H.R. 4038 denies Syrian refugees the opportunity for asylum in the United States.
Roanoke Mayor David A. Bowers compared the bombing of Pearl Harbor to the current threat of ISIS in an attempt to justify internment camps as a necessary precaution in obtaining national security while Republican Missouri State Representative Mike Moon suggested creating refugee camps in other countries to prevent the Islamization of Missouri. “The Japanese internment camps that criminalized and incarcerated an entire ethnic population was one of America’s most egregious moments in history,” said Johanna Puno Hester, APALA National President. “The United States cannot make the same mistake and fall victim to fear mongering by excluding refugees in their time of need. The passage of H.R. 4038 undermines our American values by condemning countless innocent lives through racial profiling as a result of unfounded fear and intolerance.”
“Like many Southeast Asians following the Wars in Southeast Asia, Syrians have been forced to flee the violence of their homes in the hopes of a better life elsewhere,” said Monica Thammarath, APALA National 1st Vice President. “The United States has a moral responsibility to provide assistance to those impacted by this global humanitarian crisis and not allow negative sentiments about refugees to prevail.”
“APALA commends President Obama’s opposition of and commitment to veto the xenophobic bill as the Senate prepares to vote on this matter after Thanksgiving,” said Gregory Cendana, APALA National Executive Director. “We hope our elected officials will do the right thing and open doors for refugees currently confined to circumstances of violence and oppression.”
Roanoke Mayor David A. Bowers compared the bombing of Pearl Harbor to the current threat of ISIS in an attempt to justify internment camps as a necessary precaution in obtaining national security while Republican Missouri State Representative Mike Moon suggested creating refugee camps in other countries to prevent the Islamization of Missouri. “The Japanese internment camps that criminalized and incarcerated an entire ethnic population was one of America’s most egregious moments in history,” said Johanna Puno Hester, APALA National President. “The United States cannot make the same mistake and fall victim to fear mongering by excluding refugees in their time of need. The passage of H.R. 4038 undermines our American values by condemning countless innocent lives through racial profiling as a result of unfounded fear and intolerance.”
“Like many Southeast Asians following the Wars in Southeast Asia, Syrians have been forced to flee the violence of their homes in the hopes of a better life elsewhere,” said Monica Thammarath, APALA National 1st Vice President. “The United States has a moral responsibility to provide assistance to those impacted by this global humanitarian crisis and not allow negative sentiments about refugees to prevail.”
“APALA commends President Obama’s opposition of and commitment to veto the xenophobic bill as the Senate prepares to vote on this matter after Thanksgiving,” said Gregory Cendana, APALA National Executive Director. “We hope our elected officials will do the right thing and open doors for refugees currently confined to circumstances of violence and oppression.”
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