WASHINGTON (AP) — FBI Director James Comey (KOH'-mee) says the government has learned how to better screen refugees from foreign countries to ensure they don't pose terrorism or other risks to the United States.

Comey was asked about the Syrian refugee crisis during an appearance Thursday before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

The Obama administration last month announced that it would greatly increase the number of worldwide migrants it takes in over the next two years, including many from war-torn Syria.

Comey says there's always risk in welcoming migrants from a country experiencing strife. But he says the U.S. has "developed an effective way to touch all our databases" and gather information about the individuals.

He says gaps remain in the screening process.