On Nov. 17, U.S. lawmakers called for tighter scrutiny of Syrian refugees coming to the United States in light of the deadly Paris attacks. The attack on France has caused U.S. lawmakers to rethink their debate on national security and immigration.

Since Paris was attacked by terrorists, Republican leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives are worried about the U.S. being a target. After 129 people were killed in France, Republican leaders threatened to suspend Obama's efforts to bring another 10,000 Syrian refugees into the U.S.

Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan told reporters that this is a moment where it's better to be safe than sorry. Ryan sought to pause Obama's program, announced in September and meant to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees in a year.

The Syrian situation challenges America's image as a nation that welcomes refugees with open arms, with some lawmakers arguing that all Syrians should be barred, and others suggesting that Christian Syrians be allowed over Muslim Syrians.

Obama argued that our country is not well served when it descends into fear and panic after a terrorist attack. He said that we don't make good decisions if they're based on hysteria or an exaggeration of risks.

Lawmakers Concerned About Terrorist Attacks

In the past, both Republicans and Democrats have voiced their concerns over housing refugees from conflict zones in the Middle East, saying that doing so could leave our country open to terrorist attacks like the ones on 9/11.

At least 26 governors, who are mostly Republican are concerned about people resettling in their states after fleeing Syria and the country's four-year-old civil war, arguing that some of those people could have ties to Islamic State. Meanwhile, there are other governors, mostly Democrats, who openly welcome Syrian refugees.

To learn more about coming to the U.S. as a refugee, use this directory to find an immigration lawyer who can help!