House Speaker Paul Ryan stood by President Donald Trump’s executive order calling for a pause in refugee admissions from seven Middle Eastern countries, but also acknowledged there were issues with the roll-out Tuesday.
Ryan said members were briefed on the contents of the order as it was being announced, noting the language is similar to bill that passed the House in 2015 with bipartisan support in the wake of the Paris attacks.
“First off, I had a long talk with Secretary Kelly yesterday and I’m very pleased and confident on a going forward basis that he is going to make sure things are done correctly,” he told reporters, adding that intelligence officials have confirmed ISIS is trying to infiltrate refugee populations. “Look, the president has a responsibility to the security of this country — go back, remember when we had the Paris shooting, remember when we heard about credible intelligence that ISIS was trying to infiltrate refugee populations.”
Under Trump’s executive order, visas and immigration would be halted on those coming in from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen for 120 days and indefinitely in the case of Syria.
“So what is happening is something we support, we need to pause and make sure the vetting standards are up to snuff so we can guarantee the safety and security of our country — that is what this does. We want that goal to be achieved,” Ryan continued. “I support the refugee resettlement program we are a generous country, it’s important. But we can be generous and watch our national security at the same time.”
He noted there was some confusion at airports following its implementation, but is confident Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly will conduct a proper review and put the proper safeguards in place.
“That’s why I’m confident Secretary Kelly along with other cabinet members are going to make sure we have the proper review and vetting so we can get this program up and running with the proper national security safeguards,” Ryan said.
“Now, I think it’s regrettable that there was some confusion on the roll out of this — no one wanted to see people with green cards or special immigrant visas like translators get caught up in all this,” he continued. “But on a go forward basis I’m confident that Secretary Kelly is going to make sure that this is done correctly.”
According to Ryan, there may be some validity to security experts who express concerns the executive order could be used as a recruiting tool for terrorist organizations.
“I think the rhetoric surrounding this could be used as a recruiting tool and I think that’s dangerous,” he said, adding the previous administration also named the seven countries as a cause for concern in terms of homeland security.
Democrats have slammed the move, accusing Trump of indirectly imposing a Muslim ban on refugees seeking asylum. Ryan dismissed the allegations, arguing the president needs to take strides to ensure the safety of the country.
“There is nothing wrong with taking a pause and making sure we have the proper vetting standards in place so that we don’t have a problem like France had with Paris,” he said.
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