With the news that one of the Paris attackers may have entered Europe posing as a refugee from Syria, more than half of American governors are now objecting to Syrian refugees being resettled in their states.
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The House is slated to vote on the legislation Thursday, which is sponsored by House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and Rep. Richard Hudson, R-North Carolina.
“I cannot allow New Jersey to participate in any program that will result in Syrian refugees – any one of whom could be connected to terrorism – being placed in our state”, he wrote.
In contrast, only 28 percent want the Obama administration to push forward with its plan to admit at least 10,000 Syrian refugees this fiscal year without religious screening.
“If you want to insult me, you can do it overseas, you can do it in Turkey, you can do it in foreign countries, but I would encourage you, mister president, come back and insult me to my face”, Cruz said on Capitol Hill.
“The governor has been very clear – we need to preserve our heritage as a state welcoming of refugees while addressing the all-too-real security concerns that continue to evolve every day”, Kelly said.
The White House sought Tuesday to reassure US governors concerned about accepting Syrian refugees following the attacks in Paris, explaining during a conference call how the refugees are screened and prioritized for entry.
“Several governors expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to better understand the process and have their issues addressed directly by representatives of the agencies responsible for the refugee and screening programs”, the White House said in a readout of the call.
Days after the terrorist attacks in France, governors across the United States have said they won’t allow Syrian refugees to seek asylum in certain states, including Ohio.
President Barack Obama has urged the U.S. to “step up and do its part” to help those fleeing the civil war.
“Apparently they are scared of widows and orphans coming into the United States of America”, Mr. Obama said.
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Describing calls for different rules for Christian and non-Christian migrants as “offensive and contrary to American values”, Obama said shrill election-fueled debate on migration was only helping the Islamic State group. A few Republicans have said only Syrian Christians should be eligible for asylum in the United States.
