Letter: Refugee resettlement needs closer look

The Bluffton-Jasper Tea Party will host an interesting discussion on the “Refugee Resettlement Program,” Tuesday, May 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Golden Corral in Bluffton.

Speakers include Brian Bilbro, a S.C. citizen who filed a lawsuit to prevent South Carolina from participating in the 2016 refugee resettlement program. Also, attorney Lauren Martel and author Suzanne Shattuck to discuss Islamic infiltration, and David Boros to discuss ISIS and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Last December, Congress authorized $1 trillion for President Obama’s refugee resettlement plan. A subsequent attempt by Congress to quash the program was not approved by the Senate. The program is being administered by the United Nations and the U.S. Department of State’s Refugee Admissions Program.

Federal funding goes to the state and participating religious organizations that complete the resettlements. Refugees receive cash benefits, plus medical and social services. The president, through the State Department, authorized 85,000 refugees for this year, with 10,000 from Syria to be expedited.

This story was originally published May 4, 2016 at 2:59 PM with the headline "Letter: Refugee resettlement needs closer look."