Obama Administration: States Can’t Discriminate Against Syrians

Faced with a growing number of governors announcing they oppose the admittance of refugees from Syria and Iraq into the country, the Obama Administration has issued a formal letter to state officials warning them that there is no legal basis to discriminate against refugees based on religion or national origin.

A letter sent Wednesday by the Office of Refugee Resettlement says states may not deny benefits and services to refugees based on a refugee’s country of origin or religious affiliation. “Any state with such a policy would not be in compliance with the State Plan requirements, applicable statutes, and their own assurances, and could be subject to enforcement action, in addition to suspension and termination”. “Accordingly, states may not categorically deny ORR-funded benefits and services to Syrian refugees”, the letter, dated Wednesday., states.

However, a spokesman for the Texas authorities overseeing refugee resettlement asked by the media stressed that the letter would not change their position on not participation in the Syrian refugees resettlement.

The White House counters that the vetting process is thorough and can take up to two years. The call, led by White House Chief of Staff Dennis McDonough, sought to ease their concerns and share details on the federal refugee resettlement process and security screening measures. The horrors of modern terrorism are frightening, but they demand from us a strong renewal of our faith and our commitment to Christian teachings and the common good.

Now, the states can’t outright refuse them, but they can deny the release of federal funding for local refugee programs that serve Syrians.

“Nearly four centuries after the Mayflower set sail, the world is still full of pilgrims – men and women who want nothing more than the chance for a safer, better future for themselves and their families”, Obama said in his address. “The Bible abounds with calls for us to demonstrate hospitality to those in need. Christ himself expressed praise and appreciation to those who expressed compassion, for “…

“If ISIS had hoped that their attacks in Paris would provoke the United States of America and its allies into reacting with small minded panic, some governors are helping them get their wish”, said Linda Hartke, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service President.