Refugee Agencies Gearing Up To Accept Syrians In Illinois
CHICAGO (CBS) -- More Republicans are calling for a pause in plans to relocate Syrian refugees in the United States, including House Speaker Paul Ryan and more than two-dozen governors.
But as CBS 2's Derrick Blakley reports, relief agencies are moving forward, gearing up to accept additional Syrian refugees who are already in the pipeline, fleeing their war-ravaged nation.
Gov. Rauner's call to halt Syrian refugees coming to Illinois is a position shared by at least 25 other governors nationwide.
They say fears of terrorists from that country getting into the United States is a prime concern and that any resettlement program needs stringent vetting.
But Chicago resettlement agency Refugee One is moving forward with plans to receive at least two Syrian families within the next two weeks.
Exodus World Service, a Christian volunteer group which welcomes refugees with basic supplies and friendship, is expecting new arrivals even sooner.
"We've received an understanding that a family is still coming tomorrow from Syria," said Exodus World Service's Julie Carlsen.
Hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees have caused chaos in Europe, overrunning the borders in a desperate dash to escape.
Refugees arriving here have gone through a much more deliberate U.S. screening process.
Carlsen said: "The U.S. government only invites folks that we've already securely checked out and are confident that they're not part of any terrorist group that would harm America in any way."
In contrast, 35th Ward Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa is openly welcoming refugees in his Northwest Side neighborhood, saying security worries are overblown.
"Refugees admitted to the United States have never committed an act of terrorism," he said.
