The security screening process for Syrian refugees coming in to the United States should be closely scrutinized and made more transparent, said Congressman Bill Keating on Boston Public Radio Tuesday.
"I think it's a worthwhile thing to look at what the vetting process is in more detail to scrutinize," Keating said, pointing out that a hearing has been scheduled in the House to examine the refugee crisis.
Keating also responded to new House Speaker Paul Ryan's call for a "pause" in the Syrian refugee program.
"I don't think it's much of a pause, and I think it's a good thing," Keating said.
"The more information the public gets about what, exactly, the process of entry is, particularly people coming in higher amounts than they typically would...to look at it closely and to know what those actions are, I think that'll help have a better dialogue," he said.
Keating is not the only official from Massachusetts to weigh in on the refugee crisis. Governor Charlie Baker joined numerous other governors throughout the country yesterday in voicing his opposition to accepting Syrian refugees into the state until he had more information about security screenings.
But Keating said the Baker's power as governor to restrict the state's intake of refugees, if anything, was limited.
"I know some governors are looking at what they can do, what they're allowed to do...what power they have I don't see as significant at all in that respect," Keating said.
To hear more from Congressman William Keating, tune in to Boston Public Radio above.
