I must take umbrage with the Dec. 4 commentary by Dr. Kamila Valenta, "Welcoming Syrian refugees could make our country safer." I fully understand Christian charity, but this will not ensure our safety – especially in light of the recent terrorist attack in San Bernadino, Calif.
I acknowledge that those perpetrators were not Syrians, but ISIS has taken over many parts of Syria and one of the Paris terrorists entered France as a refugee. As for the current vetting process for refugees, it is specious at best. Documentation in Syria is limited or nonexistent, and in many instances fraudulent.
Additionally, the FBI has indicated it does not have the resources to monitor many suspected evildoers. I believe that Christian charity requires us to protect our own and only allow refugees when our safety can be absolutely guaranteed.
— William J. Barker lives in Charlotte.