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MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley said Tuesday that governors want answers about the vetting of Syrian refugees, while aid organizations said slamming the door on them is the equivalent of signing refugees’ death warrants.
“We’re asking for answers on how these individuals who will be coming here, how they will be vetted and whether or not they will be vetted,” Bentley told reporters Tuesday. “One mistake on our part could lead to tragedy.”
More than 20 governors are questioning, or actively fighting, the settlement of Syrian refugees within their states. Bentley said governors have sympathy for the plight of refugees fleeing terrorism, but their top concern must be the safety of their own people.
Refugee aid organizations criticized the pushback from states, saying refugees are the most vetted immigrants to the United States, and the reaction is playing into the hands of terrorists.