Group: Syrian Refugee Family To Be Resettled In Paterson
PATERSON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Syrian family is preparing to be resettled in northern New Jersey a week after Gov. Chris Christie told President Barack Obama that the state wouldn't accept any more Syrian refugees.
An interfaith group made up of local Jewish, Catholic and Muslim organizations said they are preparing an apartment in Paterson for a family of seven set to arrive next week.
On Nov. 17, Christie sent a letter to President Obama saying that he would no longer accept Syrian refugees into New Jersey, citing terrorism concerns after after 129 people were killed in a series of terror attacks in Paris, France.
"I urge you to halt your plans to accept more Syrian refugees in the United States," Christie wrote. "I have no doubt that ISIS will try to exploit American humanitarianism to expose Americans to similar deadly risk."
Both Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio sharply criticized de Blasio's remarks, with de Blasio calling them an 'embarrassment.' At a Nov. 18 press conference, de Blasio held up a picture of a Syrian refugee boy who drowned off the coast of Greece earlier this year, with hopes to incite support for allowing refugees to the state.
"I'd like to know what Governor Christie says about this. This is the cost of not bringing in people who are innocent victims," de Blasio said as he held up the photo. "Is this what he wants to see happen to people? Is that what he wants to see happen to children? We don't accept that here in New York City."
Experts say states don't have the authority to stop refugees. State agencies don't play a large role in re-settling refugees, except for those that might need medical or financial assistance.
Christie said Tuesday that he'd be willing to reconsider his stance if he can be convinced that it can be done safely.
On Nov. 19, the House passed Republican legislation curbing the influx of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the United States, ignoring threats from President Barack Obama that he would veto the bill.
Refugee Hussam al Roustom and his family arrived in New Jersey after an almost two-year journey from Syria earlier this year. They settled in Jersey City.
President Barack Obama promised Tuesday to work with France and other allies to intensify the U.S.-led campaign against the Islamic State, saying America would not be cowed by the scourge of terrorism.
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