Obama: ‘Slamming the Door’ on Refugees ‘Would Be a Betrayal of Our Values’

“In terms of refugees, it’s clear countries like Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, which are already bearing an extraordinary burden, cannot be expected to do so alone. At the same time, all of our countries have to ensure our security. As president, my first priority is the safety of the American people and that’s why even why as we accept more refugees, including Syrians, we do so only after subjecting them to rigorous screening and security checks. 

We also have to remember that many of these refugees are the victims of terrorism themselves. That’s what they’re fleeing. Slamming the door in their faces would be a betrayal of our values. Our nations can welcome refugees who are desperately seeking safety, and ensure our own security. We can and must do both. 

Finally, we’ve begun to see some modest progress on the diplomatic front, which is critical because a political solution is the only way to end the war in Syria and unite the Syrian people and the world against ISIL.”