More than half of all U.S. states are revolting against a White House plan to settle thousands of Syrian migrants. They have declared that the refugees will not be welcome in their states until security issues are cleared up.
Even some Democrats are breaking ranks, with New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh joining the calls for a complete freeze of the process until the migrants can be properly vetted for possible links to ISIS and other terror groups.
The states rejecting or threatening to turn away new refugees (reflected in the map above) include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
The governors of these states are responding to heightened concerns that terrorists might use the refugees as cover to sneak across borders. Authorities have said that a Syrian who may have been posing as a migrant was one of the terrorists involved in this weekend’s attacks in Paris.
The issue looms as a sudden and unexpected challenge to new House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, who faces a Dec. 11 deadline to pass a package of spending bills or risk a partial government shutdown. The legislation was already tricky because of the potential for policy fights on issues like Planned Parenthood and the environment, and now some conservatives want to add language requiring congressional approval of any refugee plan.
That could allow Republicans to block President Barack Obama’s goal of bringing 10,000 more Syrian refugees to the U.S. during the current budget year.
The U.S. State Department said the refugees would be spread across the country. Republican presidential candidates have criticized the plan.
The U.S. has admitted more than 2,000 Syrian refugees since Oct. 1, 2011 and the process for entering this country as a refugee is lengthy.
Here’s a look at what the governors of several states had to say about the refugee resettlement plan.
Alabama
Republican Gov. Robert Bentley announced Sunday that he would refuse Syrian refugees relocating to the state, saying: “I will not stand complicit to a policy that places the citizens of Alabama in harm’s way.” Bentley’s news release said the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency was diligently working with federal officials to monitor any possible threats.
Arkansas
Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson tweeted a statement Monday, saying he opposes Syrian refugees being relocated to Arkansas.
Illinois
In a statement issued Monday, Gov. Bruce Rauner said the state will “temporarily suspend accepting new Syrian refugees and consider all of our legal options pending a full review of the process by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
Iowa
Saying he wants to protect residents of his state in the wake of terrorist attacks in Paris, Gov. Terry Branstad said he wants more information from the federal government about where people are being placed and the vetting process.
Indiana
Republican Gov. Mike Pence announced Monday that he was ordering state agencies to suspend the relocation of any more Syrian refugees to the state until he received assurances from the federal government that proper security measures had been taken.
Louisiana
Gov. Bobby Jindal — a GOP presidential contender — said he wants more information from the White House “in hopes that the night of horror in Paris is not duplicated here.” Jindal sent a letter to the White House on Saturday, demanding to know how many Syrian refugees have been resettled in his state. He also wants to know the extent of background screening before Syrians entered the United States as well as what monitoring would be done once the refugees make it to Louisiana.
Massachusetts
Gov. Charlie Baker says he’s opposed to allowing more Syrian refugees into Massachusetts in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Paris and that he wants to know much more about the federal government’s vetting process before allowing them into the state. Democratic Boston Mayor Marty Walsh also says he wants to know about how the federal government screens refugees.
Michigan
Gov. Rick Snyder had bucked many fellow Republican leaders by welcoming refugees to Michigan, which has a large Arab-American population. But he said Sunday that the state is postponing efforts to accept refugees until federal officials fully review security procedures and clearances. Snyder said that while he is proud of the state’s history of immigration, its “first priority is protecting the safety of our residents.”
Mississippi
Gov. Phil Bryant said Monday that he’s trying to find out if there are any plans by the federal government to relocate any Syrian refugees in the state and if there are the Republican said he will “do everything humanly possible” to stop it.
Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday ordered Texas’ refugee resettlement program not to accept any more Syrians in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks. In a letter to Obama, the Republican also urged scrapping federal plans to accept more Syrian refugees into the country as a whole. He said the federal government can’t perform “proper security checks” on Syrians.
The Associated Press contributed to this article
Why are young men of military age being allowed to seek refuge anywhere? Shouldn’t they be the ones fighting for their country? Is it the plan of the Obama government to get them Social Security benefits, housing, food stamps, and aa drivers license so they can vote? Come on folks. Enough is enough!
Wake up friend this The Radisal Muslim Terrorist in the White House’s revolutionary army. I believe he plans to riddle the states with radical Islamic bands of military trained radicals then stage hit and run sttacks destroying military bases and or equipment. As soon as it gets totally out of control he will declare martial law but suppress the military to gun confiscation of the citizen public putting him and IssIs in total control. Think it through
I agree with you on the upcoming FIGHT! Americans need to ARM themselves and stock up on plenty of AMMO.
I think the idea of Marital Law is a stretch. (but possible) There are too many AMERICAN MILITARY LEADERS that will not stand for it and push back hard against the POS in the White HOUSE!
I wish our elected Jackass politicians had the BACK BONE and BALLS to stand up to the Criminal in the White House. Remember the American Revolution? Looks like we may be coming up on another one!
There will be even people in the White House that will rebel against Martial Law, secret service and other law enforcement as well.
Try taking our guns from us! That will be an ugly scene, especially here in the South!
To Barry Russo…AMEN!
Off course it is, Obama and his liberals put voting power ahead of the citizens he swore to protect, how pathetic! Keep voting these selfish bleeding hearts!
Why else would he condone this kind of infiltration of foreign America hating screwballs.
well I don’t no why we leave Christians over there to be killed …and bring muslims over here that are at home over there and no body wants here leave the muslims and bring the Christians …or we can work out a trade you give us your Christians and we’ll give you our idiot muslim ,queer president sounds far to me we may even give boot
You are right. They are looking for the path of least resistance! Too lazy or maybe scared to fight for their own rights! They are sheep that have been cared for all their lives. They know no better than someone else to “Rule” over them…… from cradle to grave, they have been ruled with ancient laws and rituals!
You are right. They are looking for the path of least resistance! Too lazy or maybe scared to fight for their own rights! They are sheep that have been cared for all their lives. They know no better than someone else to “Rule” over them…… from cradle to grave, they have been ruled with ancient laws and rituals!
We must demand our Congress to un-fund ALL of this money going to our Enemies. We have Vets, Elderly and low or no income AMERICANS that need to be taken care of first. AMERICAN kids are going to bed hungry while OUR money is buying weapons for our Enemies. Contact your Representatives and tell them to ‘STOP IT!!!’
I totally agree. Why aren’t they trying to rid their country of terrorists instead of fleeing their country and coming here just to do nothing, really, since at this point they are not able to work nor contribute in any way in our society.
Ted Kennedy’s 1980 Refugee Act forbids local governments from stopping refugee re-settlement. Ted Kennedy did so much to foul up our nation. His 1965 immigration bill. Then the H1B visa program that employs foreign workers while Americans are out of work. He should have been sent to the Massachusetts State Prison after his 1969 Chappaquidick episode.
Thanks to Ted Kennedy’s 1980 law, the governor’s will have no say. As in the past, these refugees will be settled in lower middle class neighborhoods and cities. Places where hard work and low crime rates were the norm become places where EBT, WIC and crime are the new norm. Thanks Ted! The taxpayers spent $60 million dollars on a Ted Kennedy museum in Boston. According to the Boston Globe archives, at Chappaquidick he walked by a police station, Coast Guard station and fire station without reporting the 1969 tragedy. Fishermen discovered the submerged Oldsmobile the next day. We talk about the low grade leaders of today. As Ted Kennedy proved, folks elected trash years ago too.
Main Street, You are so right! Ted Kennedy never should have been allowed to serve another minute after he drowned that beautiful young woman!!
Do you notice that the majority of the states refusing these “immigrants” are in the South? In fact the ENTIRE South has banded together. With a few “surprises”, such as Michigan and Illinois, the South still seems to stand for what makes America strong. I am from Michigan and I can see why more and more Americans migrate down there; it is more liveable and they believe in American values. The Liberal North is all screwed up as a result of all the weak, feckless leaders we have had over the years. The Democrat Party-of-the-Free-Ride has done this to us and now everything is coming home to roost. Of course it doesn’t help either when you have an avowed Marxist as your President. Sigh.
Dearborn Michigan has become a Muslim City. This violates the ARTICLE IV, Section 3 that states flatly – NO Parts of States can be Formed without Consent of Congress. This is another example of Muslims usurping our Constitution – and getting by with it. State Law Enforcement needs to go into that ‘No American’s’ Zone, and clean it out.
Get ready all American Patriots, we will have to protect our country because that resident OBUMMER isn’t even concerned about
the American population. It’s time to prepare for T.S.T.H.T.F. God Bless America.
Is it not odd that while Christians in these lands are being persecuted by all sides in that area there are few Christians found in the list of immigrants? It would seem that they would make up the bulk of refugees but that is not the case.
Why is our media not revealing the fighting between the different clans in the relocation centers in Germany, Norway and Sweden. They are abusing Christians in these camps and they are simply bringing their hatred for all Christians with them. We have Mexico next door and we want to limit them to come in but we acceept these people who come not with respect but a hatred for our way of life. Gilbert
You don’t get it do you? Isis kills way more Muslims than Christians.
What is wrong with Congress? Do they have their heads under their armpits? Can’t they come together on a policy and a plan to protect American citizens? The citizens are speaking out, but it appears our leaders (with a few exceptions) are hiding their heads in the sand. I, for one, will be suspicious and wary of any relocated folks moving into my community. Their names and addresses would be on the top of the police list of folks to be watched very closely. America must not only wake up to the potential threats, but stand up to our government that does not seem to care much about our safety!
Dawn, I agree with you!!
Add Kentucky to the list on Dec. 8. Our incoming governor has indicated he doesn’t want these folks in Kentucky.
Relocating “Syrian” refugees in the United States is the most stupid idea I can think of. Our nation is already financially strained. We don’t need to pay for plane tickets to bring thousands of people to America. Many of these refugees will bring their same failed religion, Islam, to America and expect us to abide by it. America should set up refugee camps on the Syrian border. They can provide food and housing there.
The president should be held responsible for the criminal or terroristic actions of these immigrants. If ISIS uses this scheme to infiltrate America, the president should be impeached, removed from office and charged with treason. If the president is confident that these folks are peaceful, President Obama should dismiss his Secret Service protection and turn the White House lawn into a refugee camp. This president is a never-ending supply of foolish ideas.
Justin,
I was just about to add our state (Ky) to the list. I had received an email last night that had Ky on it. Then I read this story and we weren’t mentioned. Glad our new Gov. has got the sense gave a goose to add us to this list. I hope that Matt Bevin takes care of our state with “the people” in mind. Seems that liberal thinking is destroying this country and it’s time to put a stop to it. We’ve allowed wall street and BIG money to have too much say. It’s time for “We the people” to take it back.
I just found out today that our idiot Governor of the State of Connecticut is bringing in over 1600 Syrians. He’s a democrat. I’ll tell you right now, since they will be two towns away from me. I’m buying a gun for protection. .
Yeah and make sure you don’t move near Newtown.
i am not surprised that the governement iand the president Obamai s reaping this revolt from the people of the USA.
The facts are very clear, and understandeble,They don’t give a damn about the citizens of that beautifull country.
i have the tendency of thinking about issues which concern people, and i abhore the tendency of the extreme left,to wish to destroy this country,and lamenting afterwards that they didn’t know the extent of their deeds….
how can one have any confidence in people like this?
youts faitlfully,
i am not surprised that the governement iand the president Obamai s reaping this revolt from the people of the USA.
The facts are very clear, and understandeble,They don’t give a damn about the citizens of that beautifull country.
i have the tendency of thinking about issues which concern people, and i abhore the tendency of the extreme left,to wish to destroy this country,and lamenting afterwards that they didn’t know the extent of their deeds….
how can one have any confidence in people like this?
youts faitlfully,
Dr.A.Rosenwasser
No refugees in america let them go else ,a American vet. Says no way this is our country I didn’t protect this nation for 12yrs. To let the trash from Syria to come here proud Arizonan
The problem is Obama is not going to resign, That would surely cause a divorce for them cutting off Michelle’s credit. I truly don’t think the marriage is for real, but that is another story in the OBAMA history.
He is going to have to be IMPEACHED and should be, but congress is not doing their jobs either. We need a complete turn over and cleaned up congress. I feel that should be on the debates more clearly then the remarks of downgrading. We have to many freeloaders not doing their jobs and we as the common American working people would not get away with that. Why should they? Produce or get booted out.
Sorry, wrong section of Newsmax. We don’t want them in Washington either. We are already maxed out with freeloaders on welfare. I think the refugees should stay where they are and air dropped supplies. Much cheaper and safer for America.
Hello,
Iisn’t that a free country where everybody can express freely his oppinion?
Are you reading and censoring my comments before i even posted them?
it did’t has a personal attack, profanity and hate speach!
i mentioned in my remarks thqt i am not at all surprised with the reaction of American citizens,concerning tjhe acceptance of syrian refugies, because the federal governement together with president Obama ,don’t give a damn about their feeling!
Was it “lese majésté”. i d hope that you’ll print my oppinion!
Yours faithfully,Dr.ARosenwasser.
I think we should impeach our president and all his people and followers. Social security is almost gone elderly get none to very little help but he wants to bring in more he can’t even help Americans who build this country
We’d better get prepared to defend our daughters. Forty years ago, the socialist government in Sweden decided that they were losing their political base so they opened their doors to Muslims in order to boost their political chances. Since then, rape has increased by over 1,400 %. Violent crime, in general, has increased by 600%. The Swedish media is heavily socialist and is not speaking of the problem. Just the 2% Muslim males in the population are responsible for 77% of all the violent rapes. Recently, a group of Muslim males attacked a group of 11 and 12 year-old children at a public pool. They beat and raped the girls and beat the boys who tried to help them. The Muslims also take over apartment buildings and tell the native Swedes to get out because they are not Muslim. These incidents are never reported in the Swedish media but we have friends in Sweden who tell us lots of hair-raising stories. There are similar incidents in the UK, France and Germany. European politicians are fools. Apparently the liberal politicians here are fools as well.
I feel very sorry for innocent Muslims caught up in all of this but why can’t we protect them over there? Why must we bring them here with all of the security problems that we will, no doubt, reap from it? Marco Rubio opposes the hurried rush to accept these people before anyone has an opportunity to oppose it. He says that, in doing so, we are playing right into the hands of ISIS. He also has said that it is impossible to screen the refugees because there are no background records that we can check. Why doesn’t the U.N. help with the problem? In the past, they put refugees into camps and Western nations protected them there. This whole thing is a Trojan Horse and we will rue the day that we allowed our socialist politicians to force us into it.
FYI–fundamentalist Muslims believe that any woman who does not wear a niqab is “asking for it”.
If you are afraid that many of these are likely to be terrorists, and I am, put them in reception camps and tag them so their movements can be monitored, and ban them from congregating in groups. Don’t allow them internet access or mobile phones to confer and plot against their hosts. Look at Paris! After the carnage there already this year, why didn’t Hollande have the army on the streets? We have another idiot of our own here in the UK. Called cameron. Why is the army still in barracks doing nothing when they should have been out in all the town centres as soon as the news from Paris was known. Likewise the USA.
WE DO NOT WANT ANY REFUGEES IN OUR COUNTRY. if obama keeps going and let this happen then IMPEACH this SORRY thing. WE THE TRUE TAX PAYING AMERICANS DEMAND THIS TO STOP……………NOW. PERIOD.
You guys thinks you have it bad. Here in Canada ,our new Prime Minister is bringing 25,000 of them here with no way to check their background. We are all saying the same thing. Forget it. I’m all for helping these people but not at the expense of my country and yours. This is just crazy.
More reasons to elect Trump. He will kick the s— out of terroists. If our congress people won’t impeach Obamaa, we may be doomed. He has 13/14 months left to destroy America. Ted Cruz would also have the internal fortitude.
Yes, I totally agree that airdrop the supplies to meet the refugees’ requirement may be the best solution to demonstrate our compassion but in a cautious way. Smart suggestion! Our Nation does not need to bring in any more problems to make our lives more complicated and disturbing.
Its unbelievable syrians would be allowed here inthe us. We still have no control of all the immigrants from mexico and south america. Im sure obamas senior advisor valerie jarrett had a lot to do with his decision to let these people in as she is a verified muslim .
I agree with these 26 governors — who are trying to do what our president won’t do — which is to keep our own citizens safe. It’s a sad thing when our leading politicians are more interested in helping FOREIGNERS who pose a real THREAT to U.S. citizens than in taking care of the U.S. citizens who elected them and pay their salaries. THANK YOU GOVERNORS! at least YOU know which side you’re on.
Not to worry. After hours of research, I found the screening method the Obama Administration is using for the migrants. If they have “ISIS” tattooed on their foreheads, they are sent to the back of the line.
I don’t see Ore as one state,that don’t aprove of migrants, coming in.They should be,,,,,,,,,,,,,,ISIS don’t write on their forehead,I am ISIS.Cal, Ore an Wash, are still in the fog,just can;t figure out what the hell common sense;s is, just keep sucking up to Obama.Its plum pitiful, we have so many stupid in State Gov.
http://epaper.bostonglobe.com/epaper/showlink.aspx?bookmarkid=0WID37ISK1A3&preview=article&linkid=efa07ad9-b57b-46f3-a08e-ae67d8a2aaaa&pdaffid=BGgITUM1fEIMmhcTGSGhXg%3d%3d
I agree with those who believe that the Syrian refugees should be given camps, along their borders, not ours, and provided for with food and supplies by the U.S. dropping them by air. Bringing them into this country is a mistake and I believe Obama knows it. It will only increase our problems, of which we have enough already. And especially if they are unable to work and contribute in any way to our society and way-of-life. How do we know what the Obama administration is up to with this plan; certainly not anything that will benefit this country and its hard-working and tax-paying citizens!! This needs to be resolved by doing the right thing for them and for us. We do need to protect our citizens against terrorism and its ideas–that is crucial for us Americans.