JON TESTER ines United States Senate . November 17, 2015 ‘The Honorable Jeh Johnson Secretary of Homeland Security sgton, D.C. 20528 Dear Secretary Johnson: I write regarding the Administration’s proposal to accept approximately 10,000 Syrian refugees this year, and with questions about the thoroughness of the screening process and whether there are enough safeguards in place to ensure these individuals do not pose a national security threat to our country, In light of the senseless acts of terrorism in Paris and Beirut, itis critical that the United States take urgent and comprehensive steps to ensure our nation is doing absolutely everything it can to protect our citizens from similar acts. At the same time, we need to work collaboratively with our allies to bring the perpetrators of such attacks to justice, to deny terrorists the safe havens they seek, and to responsibly address the refugee crisis spreading throughout the region and Europe. ‘There is no doubt that the violence perpetrated on the Syrian population by both the Assad regime and ISIL have left millions of Syrian families with no other alternative but to seek refuge in a more stable and secure environment. And while neighboring countries such as Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon have accepted an overwhelming majority of these refugees, it is clear that the settlement of such a large displaced population in such concentrated areas is not permanently sustainable. As you know, of the 70,000 refugees accepted into the United States in 2015, only three percent of these viduals were from Syria. To increase that number dramatically, particularly given the complex and dynamic security situation in the region, would require a thorough and honest assessment of the resources required to carry out this policy, and a determination of whether the current screening process is sufficient to prevent a potential threat posed by individuals who wish to come and live in our country. Specifically, I request answers to the following questions: 1. What steps has the Administration taken to ensure the screening process investigates, to the highest degree possible, the increased numbers of Syrian refugees entering this country? 2. What additional resources or capabilities are needed by agencies to more thoroughly vet and investigate Syrian refugees? 3. What are the demographics of the Syrian refugee population who have already been admitted or are currently seeking asylum in this country? 4, How many Syrians have been denied entry into the United States due to suspected terrorist ties? If'so, to which groups? 5. Of the Syrians secking refugee status for residence in the United States, how many have been denied by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at the “Syrian Enhanced Review” stage? 6. After being denied, are tags placed on that individuals’ record in order to indicate their application denial? If so, does that tag include the reason why they were initially denied? 7. Since 2011, have any Syrian refugees who were initially denied entry into the United States been eligible to reapply? If so, for what reason, and were they ultimately admitted? Bozeman Bure Guenove Great Fase Heuena Kausre (40) 586-4450 (406) 723-3277 406) 968-2991 140) 452-9565, (406) 449-6401 406) 257-2960 Buuwes Miscou, (406) 252-058 206) 728-30088. What steps have been taken to address FBI Director Comey’s concerns about our capacity, or lack thereof, to properly vet a person’s background if our databases have no information on that individual? 9. How will determinations be made as to where these refugees will be settled into the United States? To what extent will these decisions be made in consultation with State governments? 10. Are there plans to monitor refugees afier they enter the United States? If so, how will that monitoring be carried out? 11. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper warned about the United States intelligence ‘community's “huge concern” that ISIL may seek to infiltrate Syrian refugees who are flowing into Europe and potentially the United States. To what extent has this been previously attempted, either by ISIL or other terrorist organizations that wish to do us harm? Will there be additional protocols and safeguards installed to ensure this is not the case? ‘As the United States works to find a diplomatic solution to the Syrian civil war and continues to ‘work with our coalition partners to defeat ISIL. and other regional terrorist groups, itis important that we address this refugee crisis in a way that addresses our national security concerns. We need to remain vigilant and ensure that those who make their way to the United States do not pose a threat fo our security. As you know, the United States faces a daily barrage of threats both from outside our borders as well as from within, and we cannot afford to take in refugees who pose a high-level risk to our national security. For that reason, I look forward to your timely response. Sincerely, Lets Jon Tester