American SAFE Act of 2015
The SAFE Act was a United States legislative proposal for Syrian and Iraqi refugees that would require extra background investigation before entry into the US.
Additional procedure to authorize admission for each refugee
The bill was first introduced in the House on November 17th, 2015, by Michael McCaul. It was passed by the House, but on January 20th, 2016 it failed cloture in the senateBackground
The SAFE Act was created in response to the November 2015 Paris attacks, out of concern that ISIL terrorists would enter the United States posing as refugees fleeing Syria.Criticism
FBI Director James Comey said the SAFE Act "seeks to micromanage the process in a way that is counter-productive to national security, to our humanitarian obligation, and the overall ability to focus on Homeland Security".
Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini pointed out that the Paris attackers were EU citizens, not Syrian refugees.
Barack Obama threatened to veto the legislation if passed.
