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Pilgrims were Refugees once too – Obama

President Obama reminded Americans that the pilgrims were refugees to America once as well, in light of the recent Syrian refugee crisis and the racist backlash coming from many, especially the GOP.

“Nearly four centuries after the Mayflower set sail, the world is still full of pilgrims – men and women who want nothing more than the chance for a safer, better future for themselves and their families,” Obama said in his address.

Obama put out a plan to accept 10,000 refugees in the next 2 years, which drew criticism particularly after the Paris attacks.

The House of Representatives passed a bill to suspend the refugee plan and intensify refugee screening measure before the lawmakers left for Thanksgiving break. Not a single Republican presidential candidate has supported taking refugees without a catch (Ted Cruz and Jeb Bush pushed for Christian refugees only).

“People should remember that no refugee can enter our borders until they undergo the highest security checks of anyone traveling to the United States,” Obama said in his address.

President Obama has openly vowed to veto the refugee bill, but the White House has said it is open to working with Congress on tighter security measures for visitors from 38 countries who do not currently need a visa for short visits to the US.