Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) released the following statement in response to an executive order issued by the Trump administration to temporarily suspend the entry of refugees and issuance of visas for individuals from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen:

“Our country has a strong record of providing asylum to those fleeing war or oppression. However, we must also acknowledge that the world is a dangerous place. Far too many innocent civilians have fallen victim to organized terror attacks at home in their own communities.

“When the FBI Director indicates that there are vulnerabilities in our country’s ability to screen foreign entrants, the American people have a right to expect swift action by our government to remedy this issue.

“Rather than asking in retrospect what we can do better in the aftermath of an attack, it’s the duty and responsibility of our government to take every realistic precaution to properly screen all individuals, especially those from countries that are havens or state-sponsors of terrorism.

“While I support the goal of President Trump’s executive order to strengthen America’s national security, I believe the administration must further clarify their long term objectives and the manner in which they intend to implement these new travel restrictions.”