WASHINGTON — President Obama on Thursday compared Syrian refugees to the first Pilgrims who journeyed to America seeking a better life, as he delivered his annual Thanksgiving Day radio message.
Obama noted that America’s greatness “comes from our generosity” as he spoke about the controversy. Critics fear terrorists can sneak into the country among the refugees.
“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,” Obama said. “What makes America America is that we offer that chance.”
The plan to receive thousands of additional Syrian refugees has come under scrutiny by Congress and GOP presidential contenders in the aftermath of the Paris attacks on Nov. 13.
Also, more than two dozen governors, mostly Republicans, have vowed to keep Syrian refugees from entering their states, even though they have no legal authority to do so.
But Obama highlighted the welcoming nature of good-hearted Americans who were willing to do whatever they could to help those in need.
“One woman from Pennsylvania wrote to me to say, ‘Money is tight for us . . . but I have a guest room. I have a pantry full of food. We can do this,’ ” Obama said.