New Delhi: The United States of America will accept at least 10,000 refugees fleeing violence in Syria over the next year, President Barack Obama said on Wednesday.
Obama, however, added that the refugees entering US would pass through the highest security checks.
His response came amidst the demand by several American politicians and citizens that refugees should not be allowed in US as terrorist could infiltrate the country posing as refugees.
Obama, in a reference to the fear, said in a series of tweets, “Protecting the American people is my top priority. With our 65 global partners, we're leading the campaign to degrade and destroy ISIL. We also win this fight with our values. America can ensure our own security while welcoming refugees desperately seeking safety from ISIL.
Sighting US history of providing refuge to those in need, Obama said, “Welcoming the world's vulnerable who seek the safety of America is not new to us. We've safely welcomed 3 million refugees since 1975.”
He said that the US will not close its door on the face of refugees. “Slamming the door in the face of refugees would betray our deepest values. That's not who we are. And it's not what we're going to do,” Obama said on his Twitter account.
“Here, our focus is giving safe haven to the most vulnerable Syrians – women, children, and survivors of torture,” Obama added.
Obama's remarks came a week after Islamic State terrorists attacked Paris killing at least 129 people and injuring score of others.
The group has also claimed responsibility for Oct. 31 crash of Russian flight that killed 224 peopel on board.
Western countries including France and Russia have stepped up their offensive against ISIS terrorist in Syria.
