Lafayette Reporter

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) have raised concerns about the Biden administration's reported plan to accept Gazan refugees into the United States. In a letter signed by 33 other colleagues, the senators urged the administration to prioritize bringing back American hostages over welcoming Gazans.

The lawmakers expressed their apprehensions regarding the national security risks posed by accepting Gazan refugees, citing the support for Hamas militants among a significant portion of the Gazan population. They emphasized the importance of thoroughly vetting individuals for terrorist ties before allowing them entry into the U.S.

Kennedy and Ernst highlighted the discrepancy in focusing on evacuating Gazans while American citizens remain held hostage by Hamas. They called on the administration to address these concerns before proceeding with plans to accept Gazan refugees.

Referring to recent polling data showing high levels of support for Hamas among Gazans, the senators stressed the need to prevent individuals with terrorist affiliations from gaining admission to the U.S. They pointed out the challenges of vetting individuals from a region where terrorist groups have a history of blending in with civilian populations.

The senators also drew attention to the increasing number of individuals on the FBI terror watch lists apprehended at the border, questioning the administration's ability to effectively vet refugees from the Egypt-Gaza border.

In the past, Kennedy has taken legislative actions to address concerns related to Palestinian refugees and education. He authored a bill to permanently ban U.S. funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees due to employees' support for Hamas. Additionally, he introduced the Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act to address reports of inaccurate or racist content being taught to Palestinian students about Israel and the Jewish people.

The full letter from the senators to the Biden administration can be accessed for further details and context.