Bills
| 3.23.22

Keeping Federal Funds From Being Used to Admit Refugees from Middle East Conflict Zones (H.R. 4044)

Do you support or oppose this bill?

What is H.R. 4044?

(Updated November 15, 2020)

This bill would prohibit federal funds from being used to admit refugees into the U.S. from certain countries that have high levels of activity by terrorist groups like the so-called Islamic State (aka ISIS or ISIL). 

The ban would apply to refugees whose country of nationality is Syria, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, or Yemen. For refugees who have no nationality, they would be covered by this ban if they last lived in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, or Yemen.

Argument in favor

Even the federal government admits that its process for vetting refugees is inadequate, so it makes sense to pause refugee admissions from countries where terror groups like ISIS have a strong presence while security screenings are improved.

Argument opposed

This bill does nothing to improve the vetting process, and if Congress is going to block refugee admissions from certain countries for even a short period it should be working towards a more secure system where all refugees can be screened and admitted.

Impact

Refugees who either last lived in, or are nationals of Syria, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, or Yemen; and federal agencies responsible for screening and admitting refugees.

Cost of H.R. 4044

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Curt Clawson (R-FL) introduced this bill to keep the American public safe from terrorists that may attempt to take advantage of President Obama’s decision to admit refugees from areas in the Middle East controlled in part by terror groups:

“I’m not saying let’s not help our less fortunate brothers and sisters. Of course, I agree with that. I am saying let’s make sure that while we’re doing that, we are 100 percent sure that Americans are safe from any bad actors from that part of the world.”


Of Note: FBI Director James Comey told the Senate Homeland Security Committee in October 2015 that there are “gaps” in refugees’ histories that make vetting refugees from conflict zones as security risks more difficult. As a result, Comey noted that “a number of people who were of serious concern” previously slipped through the screening process including two who were subsequently arrested on charges related to terrorism.


Media:

Summary by Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: Flickr user Cluster Munition Coalition)