WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) today released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s executive order entitled “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States”:

“Immigrants, refugees, and countries of origin should be handled on a thorough, case-by-case basis,” said Congressman Austin Scott. “It is my hope that this temporary stay gives President Trump’s team time to coordinate with Congress to review the vetting process and figure out how to best protect American citizens. Any reforms to our vetting process or assessments of our refugee and immigration policies will require a total effort between all branches of government to get it right.”

“For example, last Congress, I introduced legislation to increase homeland security and keep Americans safe by requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to monitor the travel of any refugees admitted into our country.  Currently, the federal government makes no effort to track their travel, including whether they travel back to the same country or region they are from.  By requiring DHS to collect this data, crucial intelligence could be gathered and our refugee admissions policy could be improved to enhance national security.”