US House votes to suspend Syrian refugee program

The US House of Representatives on Thursday approved legislation that would pause the country’s program for accepting Syrian refugees, AFP reported.

The Republican-introduced bill seeks to impose stricter security provisions on the screening of Iraqi and Syrian refugees. The bill was still being voted on at the time of reporting, but had easily acquired enough votes to pass, with 287 in favor and 130 opposed, AFP reported.

The White House has said that Barack Obama will veto the bill should it pass Congress’ upper chamber.