American politicians have taken a major step towards blocking Syrian refugees from entering the country.

The terror attacks in France have prompted action to suspend a programme to take in 10,000 Syrian refugees.

The House of Representatives passed the Republican bill with a majority of 289-137. 47 democrats supported the Bill.

Republicans say tighter restrictions are needed following the Paris attacks.

The Bill would mean the heads of the FBI, Homeland Security and the director of national intelligence to certify that each refugee is not a threat to the US – essentially making it impossible for any refugee to gain legal entry to the United States.

The result prompted Democrat Representative Jerrold Nadler to say: "We might as well take down The Statue of Liberty."

It follows reports at least one of the terrorists got into Europe by claiming to be a legitimate migrant fleeing violence in Syria.