Washington, DC—Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) released the following statement today in response to reports that President Trump is expected to order a temporary ban on refugees:

“We shouldn't ban refugees from entering our country. We need to responsibly ensure thorough vetting is in place, but more importantly, we need to stop the regime change war that is causing people to flee their country. They would much rather be home, in peace. That's why I'm working so hard to end our counterproductive regime change war in Syria that has caused such tremendous suffering, death, and refugees, and has strengthened groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS.”

Background: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard serves on the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees and met with Syrian refugees just days ago during her week-long visit to Syria and Lebanon to see and hear firsthand the impact of the war in Syria directly from the Syrian people. Earlier this year, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard introduced the Stop Arming Terrorists Act (H.R.608), legislation that would prohibit U.S. government funds from being used to directly or indirectly support al-Qaeda, ISIS, or other terrorist groups.

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