President Barack Obama delivered a Thanksgiving address on Thursday asking Americans to think of the Syrian refugees as modern day pilgrims who deserve a helping hand from the greatest country on Earth.
"In 1620, a small band of pilgrims came to this continent, refugees who had fled persecution and violence in their native land. Nearly 400 years later, we remember their part in the American story - and we honor the men and women who helped them in their time of need," Obama said, reported Breitbart.
"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. What makes America America is that we offer that chance," the president said.
Over the next year, Obama plans to resettle 10,000 Syrian refugees who are fleeing Islamic extremists fighting in the five-year-long Syrian civil war, which has largely been fueled by the involvement of the United States and its allies who are aiding the rebels trying to overthrow the Syrian government.
The refugee resettlement plan has drawn significant backlash in recent weeks, following deadly terrorist attacks in Paris, claimed by Islamic State militants, that killed 130 people and injured hundreds more.
At least one of the attackers is thought to have snuck into Europe disguised as a refugee, and critics contend that the U.S.'s refugee-vetting process could also be exploited by terrorists seeking to take advantage of America's humanitarian efforts.
Before lawmakers left for Thanksgiving break, the U.S. House passed a bill to suspend the refugee program until the vetting process is intensified and officials can certify that no refugee poses a risk. The Senate is expected to vote on the measure upon return and Obama has promised to issue a veto, according to The Hill.
Obama used part of his address to reassure skeptics that his refugee resettlement program is extremely thorough.
"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, reported Reuters. "That was the case before Paris, and it's the case now."
He called for Americans to display their full "generosity" in welcoming refugees into the country with no reservations.
"I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving, surrounded by loved ones and full of joy and gratitude," he said. "And together, may we all play our own small part in the American story, and write a next chapter that future generations can be thankful for."
