Abbott Refuses Syrian Refugees Coming To Texas
Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter
AUSTIN (CBSDFW.COM) - Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday informed President Barack Obama that, in the wake of the terror attacks in Paris, the State of Texas would not by accepting any refugees from Syria.
"Given the tragic attacks in Paris and the threats we have already seen," Abbott said, "Texas cannot participate in any program that will result in Syrian refugees -- any one of whom could be connected to terrorism -- being resettled in Texas."
Abbott also pointed to the Garland terror attack from last May -- for which ISIS has taken responsibility -- as another factor in his decision.
♦♦♦ Click Here To Vote In The CBSDFW.COM Poll On Abbott's Decision ♦♦♦
The Texas Health & Human Services refugee resettlement program has already been notified to not accept Syrian refugees.
Abbott also implored the President to stop plans for the United States to accept more refugees from Syria, explaining that our federal government is unable to properly conduct the necessary security checks.
"Neither you nor any federal official can guarantee that Syrian refugees will not be part of any terroristic activity," Abbott said in his letter. "Opening our door to them irresponsibly exposes our fellow Americans to unacceptable peril."
Texas is not alone in this stance. Alabama, Arkansas, Michigan and Louisiana have all also said that they will not be accepting Syrian refugees. However, it is unclear how much power the states have in this matter since immigration is typically a federal matter.