STATEMENT FROM SENATE MAJORITY LEADER JOHN J. FLANAGAN

    While the plight of the hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing Middle East violence is a global tragedy, last week’s horrific attacks on innocent Parisians reinforces that our first priority must continue to be the safety and security of Americans.

    The placement of Syrian refugees must be suspended until there is an effective vetting process in place that prevents terrorists from seizing an opportunity to sneak into the United States. Unfortunately, government and security experts have said our current system cannot guarantee that ISIS - or others intent on harming us - would be prevented from joining the refugees sent to our communities. This is not acceptable.

    New York continues to be a top terror target even after the devastating loss of life from the September 11th attacks. We owe it to every New Yorker to do whatever is necessary to protect them from brutal terrorists who openly threaten to destroy us and our way of life.