Legislators ask governor to block Syrian refugees
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HELENA — A group of 55 legislators called on Governor Bullock to block or resist any efforts by the Obama administration to relocate Syrian refugees to Montana until the federal government is able to properly conduct background checks and ensure with 100 percent certainty that any refugees settling in Montana does not put the safety and security of Montanans at risk, according to Fred Thomas, Dean of State Senate, Stevensville.
In the letter, the legislators expressed their great sympathy with those impacted by the conflict in Syria but also the necessity that until the federal government’s background check system is greatly strengthened, the threat to Montanans is too great to allow Syrian refugees to relocate here.
“Our first priority must be to protect Montanans. The system in place to screen these refugees does not guarantee our safety and security,” Thomas said. “It’s absolutely critical Governor Bullock take all necessary steps to prevent any efforts by the Obama administration to relocate Syrian refugees to Montana without the proper background checks.”
Co-signers onto the letter include 26 state senators and 29 state representatives.
Senator Daines and Congressman Zinke called on Governor Bullock last week to block the relocation of Syrian refugees to Montana.
More than 30 governors in the U.S. have taken action to protect their state residents from allowing the Obama administration to relocate Syrian refugees to their home state.
