Why France Is Welcoming More Refugees into the Country
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France's president François Hollande announced that he plans to honor his commitment to thousands of refugees by allowing them to seek asylum in France, according to ThinkProgress.
RELATED: U.S. States Welcome Syrian Refugees as Others Refuse
Hollande spoke out on Nov. 18 at a gathering of French mayors, saying that despite concerns voiced by conservative leaders, it is a “humanitarian duty” to take in the people who are fleeing war zones in countries including Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. He received a standing ovation, according to the Washington Post.
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“Our country has the duty to respect this commitment,” Hollande reportedly said.
France is planning on taking in 30,000 refugees over the next two years, ABC News reports.
“France shall remain a country of freedom, movement and culture,” Hollande said.
RELATED: Why It's Disgraceful to Blame Refugees for the Attacks in Paris
Hollande also said that the country must “reinforce its borders while remaining true to its values,” ABC News reports.
He acknowledged that some people in the country are nervous about accepting the refugees because of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris.
"Some people say the tragic events of the last few days have sown doubts in their minds," Hollande said. But official investigations of the suspects involved in the Paris attacks haven’t found any connection between them and refugees, according to the Washington Post.
President Barack Obama also spoke out on Wednesday regarding the refugee crisis, saying that they “do not pose a security risk,” according to ABC. He also reportedly criticized his opponents who are afraid to take in the refugees, saying that they’re “scared of widows and orphans.”
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) gave a passionate speech on the Senate floor on Tuesday about why the U.S. should continue to accept refugees into our country. Watch what she had to say below.
