Governor Scott Walker said in a statement today that the State of Wisconsin will not accept new Syrian refugees.
“In light of these horrific and tragic attacks, our first priority must be to protect our citizens,” Walker’s statement stated. “Along with governors across the country, I have deep concerns about the Obama Administration’s plan to accept 10,000 or more Syrian refugees, especially given that one of the Paris attackers was reportedly a Syrian refugee. In consultation with our Adjutant General, who also serves as my Homeland Security Advisor, it is clear that the influx of Syrian refugees poses a threat.”
President Barack Obama has said that the United States would continue to accept more refugees from Syria and elsewhere, though “only after subjecting them to rigorous screening and security checks.”
“Slamming the door in their faces would be a betrayal of our values,” Obama said. “Our nations can welcome refugees who are desperately seeking safety and ensure our own security. We can and must do both.”
Several U.S. governors have now said that they will not resettle any refugees from Syria in their states.
