Republican Governors against Syrian Refugees

Governors from 25 states have announced their refusal to relocate Syrian refugees to their state until federal authorities thoroughly review the screening procedures to prevent terrorists from entering the country.

The governors, mostly Republicans, informed about their decision on Monday, which goes against the Obama administration’s commitment to admitting 10,000 Syrian refugees this fiscal year.

The influx of refugees has been in the public eye for months. However, in the aftermath of the attacks in Paris, France this past Friday, the main concern is how to keep terrorists, and people associated with Islamic militants outside U.S. borders.

The State Department said that the refugees are, and will continue to be thoroughly vetted, and going through screenings that could take between 18 and 24 months. However, the Republican leaders said it was too risky to allow refugees to enter the country.

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the terror attacks in Paris, in which 129 people were killed, and more than 350 people were injured.

Although experts have said the governors have no legal authority to prohibit refugees to settle in any state, they can become roadblocks by creating hostility and cutting back funds toward refugee programs.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said that he was against refugees entering the country, even if they were “orphans under five”. “I don’t trust this administration to effectively vet the people that they’re asking us to take in. We need to put the safety and security of the American people first”, Christie said.

In an open letter to President Obama, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott stated: “Neither you nor any federal official can guarantee that Syrian refugees will not be part of any terroristic activity.”

The states whose governors have indicated to be against admitting refugees from Syria are: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.

On the other hand, the Governors of Connecticut, Colorado, and Washington manifested to be in favor to welcome Syrian refugees.

President Obama said Monday in a statement that many of these refugees are fleeing to escape civil war and are victims of terrorism themselves. “Slamming the door in their faces would be a betrayal of our values. Our nations can welcome refugees who are desperately seeking safety and ensure our own security. We can and must do both.”

Echoing President Obama, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper said: “We will work with the federal government and Homeland Security to ensure the national verification processes for refugees are as stringent as possible. We can protect our security and provide a place where the world’s most vulnerable can rebuild their lives.”

Former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley said in response to the decision of the Republican governors against refugees: “These are women and children dying and fleeing the same sort of carnage that was unleashed on the people of France.”

Image Copyright: AFP/B.Kilic