Governor Mike Pence is taking steps to suspend re-settlement of Syrian refugees inside Indiana’s borders. “Indiana has a long tradition of opening our arms and homes to refugees from around the world but, as governor, my first responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of all Hoosiers”, Pence said.
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Despite the reactions from at least five governors, President Barack Obama is continuing with plans to accept refugees from Syria.
Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-3rd, said in a statement, “Americans must be given full assurances from our President that all proper precautions are in place to accurately confirm the identities and background of each refugee we accept into this country”. In light of what happened last week, our government should not continue to grant refugee status to individuals from any country who have no personal information in federal databases or official papers. When Pence delivers his third State of the State speech as governor on Tuesday, January 13, hell surely tout his proposals for boosting the states charter school and school voucher programs and what he says is state governments excellent fiscal health.
But those who work with the fleeing Syrians say Governor Pence and the other governors are just perpetuating stereotypes.
Once a refugee has been formally admitted into the United States, they’re not obligated to stay in one place.
Governors can block state agencies from getting money to help integrate refugees, which would influence the State Department’s decision to resettle a refugee in certain areas based on the “support” criteria.
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As we’ve previously reported, Syrian refugees hoping to settle in the USA undergo an intensive screening process – a process Exodus Refugee Immigration Executive Director Carleen Miller says is arduous. She said in a statement that because the refugees “are arriving from a failed state in Syria, it is almost impossible to determine who is a threat and who is safe”.
