WASHINGTON — In the wake of the terror attacks in Paris, more the half a dozen state governors say they will not allow thousands of refugees seeking sanctuary to relocate in their states. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is not among them.
"I stand firmly with President Obama who said [Monday] morning," Jay Inslee said regarding Obama's pledge to accept thousands of Syrian refugees in the next year. "'We do not close our hearts to these victims of such violence and somehow start equating the issue of refugees with the issue of terrorism.'"
>> Essex Porter will be reporting on the refugee situation for KIRO 7 News at 5 p.m. Below are the questions we have answered now.
Why is there conversation about admitting refugees?
President Barack Obama said Monday that he remains committed to the United States taking in Syrians. He pledged to accept 10,000 in the next year. The refugees would be spread across the country.
Why are some governors saying no?
The governors are responding to heightened concerns that terrorists might use the refugees as cover to sneak across borders. Authorities said a Syrian passport was found near one of the attackers, and the Paris prosecutors' office says fingerprints from the attacker match those of someone who passed through Greece in October.
Inslee said governors do not decide whether refugees come to their states.
What is he saying?
Inslee said on Monday that "Washington will continue to be a state that welcomes those seeking refuge from persecution, regardless of where they come from or the religion they practice."
The announcement comes as President Barack Obama's administration has pledged to accept about 10,000 Syrian refugees in the next 12 months. The U.S. State Department said the refugees would be spread across the country.
"It's important to note that governors do not decide whether refugees come to their states. Those decisions are made by the federal government, and the U.S. State Department has a robust system in place to evaluate and place families who seek refugee status," Inslee said.
His statement came after governors in some southern states said they would not allow Syrian refuges following the Paris attacks. Read the statement in full here.
"That makes these anti-refugee comments by governors even more troublesome and of little value except to divide people and foment intolerance," Inslee said.
How can you voice your opinion to the governor?
You can reach can contact Governor Jay Inslee and tell him what you think:
Send Gov. Inslee an e-message Request a meeting with Gov. Inslee For more go to the Gov.’s website here
Which states are saying no to Syrian refugees?
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
Florida
Indiana
Illinois
Louisiana
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
North Carolina
Ohio
Texas
Wisconsin
>> KIRO 7 News is working to learn what the screening processes is like for Syrian refugees.
Poster Comment:
Does Washington allow for recall of the governor?