DHS Sec. Kirstjen Nielson announced new risk-based measures to enhance national security in the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) through intensified screening of foreign nationals from 11 high-risk countries. The 90-day review came in response to Section 3 of Pres. Trump's executive order last January, which required that the DHS Secretary, the Secretary of State, and the Director of National Intelligence work together to determine whether or not any actions taken to address refugee admissions security risks should be terminated or modified.
"It's critically important that we know who is entering the United States," Sec. Nielsen said. "These additional security measures will make it harder for bad actors to exploit our refugee program, and they will ensure we take a more risk-based approach to protecting the homeland. The United States must continue to fulfill its obligation to the global community to assist those facing persecution and do so in a manner that addresses the security of the American people."
Additionally, Sec. Nielson, the Secretary of State, and the Director of National Intelligence have established global baseline which all countries are required to meet before counterterrorism data can be shared.
"We have worked successfully with almost every country in the world to reach this baseline, which has improved both U.S. and international security. The handful of nations that have failed to comply are subject to tough but tailored travel restrictions and we continue to work with them to reach the baseline," Sec. Nielsen said.
The security enhancements and recommendations include additional screening for those foreign nationals from high-risk countries, a more risk-based administering of refugee resettlement, and a regular review and update of the list of refugee high-risk countries and selection criteria.
