Obama Encourages Americans to Show Compassion for Syrian Refugees in

“So much of our greatness comes from our generosity”, he stated in his weekly radio address.

Obama himself faces a barrage of opposition to his own plan to resettle 10,000 refugees in the coming year. “Our nation and our state have a shared history of providing safe haven for those displaced by conflict, but the news surrounding the Paris terror attacks reminds us of the all-too-real security threats facing America”, Rauner said in a statement. “All God’s children are worthy of compassion and care and that is what makes this the greatest country on earth”.

Administration officials, who basically answered with a “trust me” approach, responded, “The administration officials, led by McDonough, assured the governors that the vetting process was thorough and that the risks of admitting Syrian refugees could be properly managed”.

The notice came in the form of a letter from the Office of Refugee Resettlement that serves as a reminder that states may not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, and, most importantly, religion or country of origin.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is prominent among the more than two dozen governors who have spent the past couple of days declaring they will not allow Syrian refugees to settle in their states.

According to a letter from the HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement, state officials were informed that they can’t legally block the entry of Syrian refugees.

The federal government reaffirmed that refugees go through the highest level of security screening of any category of traveler to the United States. Many Americans have also opened their home to thousands of unaccompanied minors who fled oppression and possible death in Central America despite demands they all be sent back by many politicians, mostly Republicans.

Obama has said that refugees will be well-screened. But, his administration also said it is “examining options for further enhancements” to Syrian refugee screening, acknowledging a need to address the broad security concerns of lawmakers and the public.

Last week, the Republican-led House of Representatives passed a bill that increases the restrictions on refugees from Iraq and Syria. “It’s hypocritical for Obama Administration officials to threaten enforcement action against these states when they refuse to enforce the vast majority of our immigration laws, such as cracking down on sanctuary cities that openly defy federal law and endanger the American people”.

Forty-seven House Democrats joined 242 Republicans in calling for such an action, though Obama has said he would veto the bill even if it passes the Senate.