Response to Governor Hassan's Statement on Syrian Refugees

November 17, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONCORD – Following the attacks in Paris, the ACLU of New Hampshire calls upon all policy makers, at the federal and state levels, to affirm the need to welcome Syrian refugees who are fleeing the brutality of ISIS.
The following can be attributed to Devon Chaffee, the Executive Director of the ACLU of New Hampshire:
“The ACLU of New Hampshire is deeply saddened by Governor Hassan’s call to close America’s door to Syrian refugees fleeing violence and oppression. Attempting to draw a link between the tragedy in Paris and the resettlement of Syrian refugees wrongly blames the refugees for the violence they are fleeing. To shut out Syrian families trying to rescue their children from persecution and in some cases starvation, is to refuse to help the victims of the very terrorism we decry.
Moreover, singling out refugees doesn’t make practical sense. The U.S. already has a rigorous and multi-layered security screening program in place for refugees seeking to resettle here. All refugees must pass a multiple background checks, biometric tests, medical screenings, and in-person interviews with the Department of Homeland Security. They are subjected to more screening than any other individual who travels to the U.S.
The U.S. has long been a leader in refugee protection and resettlement. Now, more than ever, we must show courageous and bold leadership, and resist condemning people because of where they are from."