The HHS letter makes pointed reference to the Refugee Act of 1980 to provide “assistance and services” to refugees “without regard to race, religion, nationality, sex or political opinion”, and can not cease ORR-funded services to Syrian refugees. States that do not comply with these terms are subject to “enforcement action, including suspension or termination”. The governors of more than 30 states, most but not all of the Republican, have said the refugees are not welcome there and that they will do all they an to oppose their settlement.
Advertisement
Obama’s plan to receive thousands of additional Syrian refugees has come under heavy criticism in Congress and has become a key part of the 2016 presidential campaign rhetoric in the wake of a series of attacks November 13 on Paris.
The House approved a bill last week that improves screening for Iraqi and Syrian refugees.
Syrian refugees have been entering the US for several years with about 2,200 immigrating since 2011.
Still, Obama reassured Americans in his weekly address refugees entering.
“One woman from Pennsylvania wrote me to say, ‘Money is tight for us in my household … but I have a guest room”.
“Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Today, we give thanks for all of our loved ones and the courageous men and women in uniform who serve our country”, Obama tweeted.
The ORR letter attempted to assure concerned governors by stating that all refugees will be subject to the “highest level” of security checks, which would involve a “multi-layered and intensive screening and vetting process”. It’s the federal government’s role to process applications for refugee status, and up to the federal government to decide who is let into the country. Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, meanwhile, said he’s told local pastors they could count on him to help shelter Syrian refugees who arrive through “any organized, thoroughly vetted program that the country asks Dallas to participate in”.
The legislation does not end the program, nor does it impose a religious test – both claims Mr. Obama has hinted – but instead requires the Federal Bureau of Investigation director, the homeland security secretary and the country’s intelligence chief to sign off on each refugee.
Advertisement
The federal government shot a warning to state resettlement officials, telling them they do not have the authority to deny the entry of Syrian refugees. Later evidence indicated that two of the Islamic State militants responsible for the deaths of 129 people may have infiltrated France among a group of refugees, or migrants.
