U.S. Rep. Steve PearceU.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce released the following statement after the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security issued a new report showing an overview of how many convicted terrorists entered the United States through the nation’s flawed homeland security policies:
“We can all agree that our policies to keep the border and our homeland secure has significant flaws. It doesn’t reflect life in the 21st Century and Congress has a job to change it. It is not only in our best interest to have a fair and just system, but it is ultimately vital for the safety and security of our nation. This report today highlights substantial vulnerabilities within our nation’s security policies that provide channels for individuals to enter the country with little knowledge of their background.
“As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism and Illicit Finance, I have seen how various programs make it significantly easier for terrorist organizations and illicit groups to strengthen their presence throughout our communities. This in a way is putting the safety and protections of American citizens first, and today it is proven that more needs to be done to fix the blatant weaknesses to protect the homeland.”
This report is pursuant to President Trump’s Executive Order 13780: “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States” issued March 6, 2017. The report states that between Sept. 11, 2001 and Dec. 31, 2016, roughly 3 out of every 4 individuals, or 73 percent, convicted of international terrorism entered the United States through some of the nation’s security policies.
To view the full report, click here.
