'We don't want them': Internet slams Biden government for not answering Joni Ernst about refugee intake

WASHINGTON, DC: A Republican senator has slammed President Biden's administration for not answering her questions and concerns over an alleged plan to consider taking in refugees from Gaza. 

"The Biden administration is blowing off my work to prevent an October 7-related attack on our own shores, which shows just how seriously this president takes our security," Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, told Fox News. 

Joni Ernst wrote a letter to Joe Biden signed by 35 Republican senators

Earlier this month, Ernst penned a letter to Biden signed by 35 Republican senators where she asked the president for answers after a report emerged that his administration was considering allowing some refugees from Gaza into the country. 

"Instead, Biden is doubling down on his dangerous plan to welcome Hamas sympathizers to our homeland, despite the risk to American lives," Ernst said of the administration's response. The administration had the State Department respond to the widely signed letter, as per the outlet. 

The response to Ernst retold information about the administration's efforts to assist US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and their families in departing from Gaza during Israel's war with the terrorist group Hamas. The administration has already stated on several occasions that it has helped more than 1,800 individuals leave Gaza and many of them have come to the US. 

Joni Ernst asked the government about how screenings would be implemented for potential Gaza refugees

The administration's already stated information did not answer the Iowa Republican's question regarding how many refugees the officials were considering to be allowed into the country. Ernst had also asked for details on how screenings would be implemented for potential refugees from Gaza. 

The State Department informed her in response, "Any individuals from Gaza who have traveled or would travel to the United States are thoroughly vetted, as the safety and security of the American people is our top priority."

The just over one-page answer to the senator's various questions also didn't address her questions about logistics and discussions with surrounding countries.

According to a State Department spokesperson, the interagency discussions are ongoing regarding US support for Palestinians in Gaza, citing the US role in humanitarian assistance globally. The spokesperson reiterated the same information regarding the 1,800 people who have been assisted in leaving Gaza already, as was relayed to the senator. 

Netizens say 'we don't want' Gaza refugees

Internet users were clearly upset regarding Biden admin's decision of accepting Gaza refugees in the country. One user wrote, "Bring over Ukrainian refugees.....at least they are White and Christian and have skills." Another added, "Send them to Ireland, Spain, and Norway" as the three countries recently formally recognized Palestine. "We don’t want them!!!!" echoed one user.

One user wrote, "He just doesn’t get it! Who is really running this country?" while another said, "More refugees, more problems." 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.