Nearly two dozen U.S. governors are opposed to Syrian refugees relocating to their states. The governors are citing concerns over terrorism, amid the attacks by ISIS Friday night in Paris.
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon (Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI)
Despite reactions from several governors, mostly Republican, President Obama is sticking to his plan and says he will accept about 10,000 Syrian refugees.
“We’ve learned that at least one of the attackers entered Europe posing as a Syrian refugee. This makes the president’s plan to allow 10,000 Syrian refugees into the United States all the more reckless,” said U.S. Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Missouri).
Missouri lawmakers are calling on Governor Jay Nixon (D) to follow several U.S. governors and refuse Syrian refugees who want to relocate to the state.
In a statement from the Missouri Senate, 18 Senators, which are all Republicans, expressed their concerns.
“Protection of our citizens is too important to risk allowing individuals in who may seek to infiltrate our nation in order to carry out terrorist attacks,” said Senate Leader Ron Richard (R-Joplin). “The State of Missouri will not be forced to make up for this administration’s mishandling of America’s foreign policy. We will not idly stand by while our citizens are put in harm’s way.”
“Missouri is a state that is a rich melting pot of different cultures; however, residents and their safety must be our first concern,” said Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown). “Anyone who cannot properly provide the appropriate documentation should not be allowed to settle in Missouri.”
At least 132 people were killed and more than 350 injured in the series of attacks Friday night in Paris.