Bill to increase screening of U.S. refugees
John Garamendi, member of the US House of Representatives for the 3rd Congressional District of California, voted for bill HR4038 on Thursday, Nov. 19.
Also known as the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015, or SAFE Act, bill HR4038 requires that thorough background checks be conducted on aliens seeking refuge in the United States. The bill specifies that these investigations be carried out by the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation on covered aliens.
“A ‘covered alien’ is any alien applying for U.S. refugee admission who: is a national or resident of Iraq or Syria, has no nationality and whose last habitual residence was in Iraq or Syria, or has been present in Iraq or Syria at any time on or after March 1, 2011,” states HR4038.
On Nov. 19, the SAFE Act passed the House with a 289-137 vote.
