The head of the Kentucky International Center in Bowling Green said he is disappointed by President Trump’s proposed plan to restrict the flow of refugees to the U.S. Albert Mbanfu said it’s now unlikely that any Syrian refugees will be coming to Bowling Green. He added that it puts them in a real dilemma.
"One, they can't go back to their home country. Two, they can't come to the U.S. where they were hoping to start life all over. And thirdly, they aren't comfortable where they are because they're in refugee camps, and you know the deplorable situation in those camps." Mbanfu said.
40 Syrians were scheduled to arrive in Bowling Green this year, despite concerns from many in the community. President Trump is expected to sign an executive order that includes a four-month halt on all refugee re-settlements, as well as a temporary ban on refugees coming from predominantly Muslim countries.
The Trump administration said stemming the flow of refugees would give the government time to improve the vetting process. Mbanfu said he remains frustrated by claims that refugees aren’t thoroughly vetted. He said he is saddened that Syrians will remain stuck in refugee camps, unable to go back to their war-torn country or begin a new life in the U.S. He added that halting their re-settlement goes against what United States stands for.
