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* Experts say states lack legal authority to block refugees * Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama move to stop accepting Syrian refugees * Group says Haslam, state lawmakers on 'wrong side of history' regarding Syrian refugees* Wary governors halt, question plan to accept Syrian refugees
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has directed state agencies to try to block the relocation of any Syrian refugees in Alabama.
Bentley signed the executive order Monday, a day after announcing he opposed Syrian refugees from coming into the state.
The order directs state agencies to use all "lawful means" to prevent the resettlement of Syrian refugees in Alabama.
Bentley is one of several governors fighting the relocation of Syrian refugees to their states, citing concerns about terrorism after the Paris attacks. However, immigration experts say states don't have the legal authority to bar refugees.
Director of the Georgia chapter of the International Rescue Committee J.D. McCrary said Monday that the placements are done by the U.S. State Department.
So far, no Syrian refugees have been relocated to Alabama.