By Johannes SortoCONTRIBUTOR

With the latest terrorist attack in Paris, students at Hofstra – as well as everyone in New York – are concerned that an attack from ISIS may occur here.

This understandably heightened sense of danger seems to be overlooked when dealing with the Syrian refugee crisis. While it is true that the United States is a place for refugees escaping a civil war, it is also important to remember the gravity of the situation we are facing.

Those who criticize Republicans for trying to prevent Syrian refugees from coming seem to have forgotten how the American people feel. Many Americans, especially here in New York, saw what occurred in Paris and are extremely concerned that an attack may happen in our own backyard.

And how can you blame them? Even though it has been over a decade since a major terrorist attack has occurred in the U.S., that alone will not prevent one from happening tomorrow.

Given the current situation, people should be more understanding as to why someone may not want a Syrian refugee in their neighborhood.

If Democrats are skeptical, look at the Democratic New York Congressman Steve Israel who voted with House Republicans to increase background checks on Syrian refugees. Democrats should stop calling Republicans insensitive, racist or betraying American principles, when it has nothing to do with race, ethnicity or immigration. Republicans are not concerned with any of that. We consider this a national security issue. It is the government’s job to protect America.

That being said, the United States can allow refugees to enter, but not until the situation calms down, and not until our intelligence community can properly screen each refugee guaranteeing that they have no connection to ISIS. In order for this to occur, the U.S. will have to work with European allies to have the best intelligence possible. By doing this we can keep America safe.

Johannes Sorto is the president of the Hofstra University College Republicans. 

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