Gov. Snyder Wants More Syrian Refugees, 'Would Love To See' Michigan's Middle Eastern Population Grow
LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Michigan has one of nation's largest Middle Eastern populations and Gov. Rick Snyder says he "would love to see it grow."
The governor says Michigan can expect to see more Syrian refugees in the coming months as his administration continues talks with federal officials about the role the state can play in taking more refugees from war-torn Syria and the Middle East.
"The governor thinks it's an economic plus," reported WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick. "And to those who fear that the immigrants would take away jobs, the governor says, Michigan has a record of immigrants coming in and actually creating jobs."
The Republican governor spoke Tuesday to the inaugural meeting of the state Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs in Lansing. The board works within the Department of Civil Rights to monitor, evaluate and make recommendations to the governor.
Snyder adds there's no specific number of refugees being discussed and there's no timeline for when they're coming — but he wants to remain a welcoming state.
The Obama administration seeks to accept significantly more refugees in the coming budget year as millions flee Syria.
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