Pause in refugee program not needed

I would like to commend the Daily Herald editorial staff for your Nov. 22 editorial "Common sense and the refugee crisis." In the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris, Beirut and Mali many of us are afraid. This is understandable but as you so eloquently point out we must not let our fear define us.

America's greatness is defined by our vision of hope for a better future. Dating back to the Declaration of Independence we have been a nation of ideals. To quote your editorial directly accepting these refugees is the American thing to do.

I would however ask that you reconsider your suggestion that we pause the current refugee visa process. I worry that you, as well as many of your readers don't fully understand the thoroughness of the process or the amount of time required before these people are allowed into this country.

Before coming to our shores each person who applies for refugee status is interviewed by the state department, department of home land security and the FBI. These interviews take place on foreign soil and the process takes anywhere from 18 to 24 months. The pause you and many in Congress are suggesting is, in reality, already built into the system.

Since the crises in Syria began the UN has proposed more than 23,000 refugees for admittance to our country. Of these, 7,014 were interviewed by authorities. Of those interviewed 2,165 have been admitted to the U.S. Another important fact: Of all terrorist attacks that have taken place on our shores the number of perpetrators who entered on a refugee visa is zero.

Your editorial articulated the ideals that define this great county. I only ask that the editorial board reconsider their call for a pause on the refugee visa program.

Pete Null

Glendale Heights