ANDERSON — Despite efforts by intelligence services and police worldwide, no set of procedures can provide 100 percent security against a terrorist attack, Anderson University President John Pistole said Thursday.
His comments came just hours before the Republican-controlled U.S. House approved new legislation in response to last week's ISIS attacks in Paris that requires more scrutiny of Syrian and Iraqi refugees seeking resettlement in in the United States.
Pistole led the FBI's counterterrorism programs following the Sept. 11 attacks, and was named deputy director during the George W. Bush administration. Later, President Barack Obama tapped him to head the Transportation Security Administration.
While he was careful to avoid commenting on the political motivations of Congress, presidential candidates or governors, Pistole said the "refugee population is the most thoroughly vetted group," seeking entry into the United States.
But he quickly added, "It's a difficult political calculation for those people."
"There are no guarantees and no perfect solutions," he said. "Political leaders are balancing the security aspects with the humanitarian aspects ... I think the governors are acting in what they believe their constituents want them to do."
In addition, he said last week's attacks seem to represent a change in tactics for ISIS. Previously, the radical Islamic group was focused on creating a caliphate in Syria and Iraq.
Last week's operation showed that ISIS is trying to demonstrate its global reach and ability to conduct sophisticated operations, he said.
"They are not only trying to kill people," according to Pistole, "but to instill psychological fear and create economic damage."
He said the attacks will almost certainly curtail European travel and force France, Belgium and other countries to increase their security and intelligence gathering operations, which means money will have to be diverted from other programs, Pistole said.
How should people respond to the threat? By going about their daily lives, but with an added measure of vigilance.
U.S. Rep Susan Brooks, R-5th District, said the American Security Against Foreign Enemies, or SAFE Act of 2015, will create the most robust national security vetting process in American history.
The act requires the secretary of Homeland Security, director of the FBI and the director of National Intelligence to unanimously verify that each refugee from Iraq or Syria does not pose a security risk.
In addition, the inspector general of Homeland Security will be required to independently assess refugee approvals.
Critics say these additional layers of investigation effectively end all refugee resettlement from Syria and Iraq.
"America leads the world in humanitarian assistance, and has a proud tradition of welcoming refugees to our country," Brooks said. "However, our first priority is to ensure the safety and security of the American people.