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Attorney General: 'Robust' US screening for Syrian refugees

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WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans are pressing Attorney General Loretta Lynch on the Obama administration's plan to allow thousands more Syrian war refugees into the country following the Paris attacks.

Lynch appeared Tuesday before the House Judiciary Committee for the first time since taking office in April. She said protecting the U.S. from the threat of the Islamic State and other terrorist groups is the Justice Department's top priority. She said more than 70 people have been charged in the last two years for alleged conduct related to foreign-fighter activity and homegrown violent extremism.

In response to a question about the risk of terrorists posing as refugees, Lynch said the "robust" screening process for those considered for immigration to the United States is more stringent than that in place in Europe.