Do you know the reasons behind Texas, and other states refusing Syrian Refugees?

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 20:55:59 -0500

Do you know the reasons behind Texas, and other states refusing Syrian Refugees? I'm sure many have heard about State Governors refusing to take in Syrian Refugees that are being brought in the day after the attacks in Paris. Below is an article that states the reasons for Texas refusing to accept more refugees.

Greg Abbott by the way does not lack compassion. He was Attorney General for Texas during Hurricane Katrina and worked to bring as many people from New Orleans to Houston as could be done by air and buses.

Read the article before commenting. Apparently there is standing for his and other Governor's refusal to accept refugees. http://www.khou.com/story/news/local/texas-news/2015/11/16/governor-greg-abbott-texas-syrian-refugees-letter-to-obama/75867476/

Gov. Abbott: Texas won't accept Syrian refugees

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday that Texas will not accept any Syrian refugees into the state after Friday's attack in Paris that killed at least 129 people.

Response by CAPT Gary Foster made Nov 16 at 2015 8:55 AM

CAPT Gary Foster — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 08:55:56 -0500

Our immigration system is broken. We used to vet all immigrants to make sure they were suitable to become Americans. Governors do have the right to restrict the influx of refugees, because they are tasked with providing safety and security of all citizens in their states. However, I am sure the current White House occupant will use his power to override any Governor's power and circumvent what the people of this country want as usual. Refugees from Syria and the middle east do not need to be brought here. Send them to a middle east country where the religion of Islam is prevalent. This is a middle east problem. We have enough issues with illegals coming across our borders from South America.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 9:12 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 09:12:04 -0500

No they do not. The Constitution is very clear that the Congress sets immigration policy and that the executive branch enforces it. This is a federal issue.
Having said that, there is a booming industry right now for Syrian identification documents. Why? Because a fair percentage of these "refugees" are not Syrian. Another percentage want a different identity than the one they really are.
Undoubtedly, there are embedded bad guys in this group of people. There are many more in this group vulnerable to radicalization. Why we want to let hordes of these people into the United States without any kind of screening process is beyond me. This is negligent in the extreme.

The USA has a proud and long tradition of welcoming those who yearn to breathe free air, work hard, and make a better life for themselves. But from where I sit, the current announced policy is risky without any positive benefits for our nation's citizens.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Nov 16 at 2015 9:24 AM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 09:24:37 -0500

SSgt Alex Robinson the attacks in Paris are still being investigated. The information is flowing in. The problem is that it is being regurgitated by news sources before it is vetted or analyzed. I heard yesterday that the stadium bomber had a ticket for the game, and detonated outside of the stadium because he was caught by stadium security. No other details, no source was given. This morning they were saying that a passport was found that had been used by a refugee to gain entry into Europe. Again no source was provided. They couldn't even say that they were certain that it was authentic. They just had the information so they got it on the air as soon as possible.

I am afraid that if individual states try to ban refugees, then the federal government is going to step in and force the issue. First off, there is federal land in every state that the governor would have no say over how it is used. Second, if we start setting up internment camps for refugees, then we are going to foster further resentment. The last thing that the world needs is for a moderate Muslim, or even a non Muslim to become a radicalized Muslim because of their treatment while trying to escape from the horror that is Syria.

The flip side of that is that any refugee coming into the United States needs to be THOROUGHLY vetted. If they cannot be vetted, then they should not be brought into this country at all. The real difficulty is finding a balance between humanity and security. As much of an asshole as this may make me sound, these are not U.S. Citizens. That means that while a balance needs to be found, if there is doubt, that person needs to be denied entry.

The last point I will make is that we have a homeless EPIDEMIC in the United States. Before refugee one is processed and allowed to enter into this great nation, we should make sure that we have our own house in order first (especially homeless veterans). If there is one United States citizen living on the streets, or dealing with hunger issues, then we are not in a position to be taking in refugees. That may sound cruel, but again how can we care for refugees from another country when we cannot keep those who have served this nation off the streets? The answer is we cannot.

Response by SFC Terry Fortune made Nov 16 at 2015 9:31 AM

SFC Terry Fortune — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 09:31:36 -0500

I believe that they should. The Gov. of Al. just did that yesterday, and I feel that the Gov. of Ms. will do the same thing.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 2:13 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 14:13:47 -0500

Yes, the Fed has no authority to order any of the refugees to be housed in Wisconsin.

Response by MAJ Donald Belles made Nov 16 at 2015 3:08 PM

MAJ Donald Belles — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 15:08:27 -0500

yes

Response by SGT Bryan O'Reilly made Nov 16 at 2015 8:14 PM

SGT Bryan O'Reilly — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 20:14:57 -0500

Legally, yes morally no. We are the guardians of freedom. Our values Freedom, Justice, democracy are always our values, even when they are not expedient. We cannot champion freedom elsewhere and then have a double standard here. It may not Play in Peoria, as the saying goes, but if we are going to challenge inequality and oppression globally we need to practice what we preach, IMO. ISIS will attack at some point and I will not deny that one way would be with plants in guise of refugees, so we need to be thorough and even may not be enough. But we are only as good as our word and we have told these people for years that we would help. So, it is a dilmia but one we helped make and if we cannot stick to our word in times of trouble than we are not what we say we are.

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Nov 16 at 2015 9:36 PM

SGT Francis Wright — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 21:36:00 -0500

Yes because they want to kill us. Even if it is only 10%. Let me put it this way; if you were given a bowl of m&m's and told only a couple were poisoned. Would you still eat them.

Response by Cpl Shane Cunningham made Nov 16 at 2015 9:55 PM

Cpl Shane Cunningham — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 21:55:58 -0500

A refugee family of 4 will cost tax payers over $287,000. Already we have refugees saying what has been provided is not good enough. Some states are stupid I guess.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Nov 16 at 2015 10:39 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 22:39:06 -0500

The risk of terrorists among them is too high, and there is no way to vet them, coming from failed states.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Nov 16 at 2015 10:39 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 22:39:10 -0500

PO3 Sherry Thornburg Govenor Abbott was pretty clear when he addressed the Texas People today. He is not will to accept the Syrians because there is not TRUE way of vetting these folks. These Folks come from a country which will not cooperate with the United States....vetting someone is getting their back ground....where they worked...how long they were there....are they on any watch lists? What about their family? Do they have family members who are terrorists or on any watch lists? Have they or have any of their family members been involved in any crime or been locked up? The list goes on to what entails the questions for the vetting process....it's basically a back ground check...and with a country like Syria...where their leader hates the US....most of the government is in shambles....there is probably no or very little documentation available to prove who is who or what they've done or where they came from etc....
With these refugee's coming from a country where ISIS has practically taken over and definitely set up shop.....ABBOTT and other concerned Governors and states do not want to put their citizens in any jeopardy or harms way...
In Texas we have enough to deal with.....we have MILLIONS of ILLEGAL ALIENS and thousands of illegals trying to cross the border on a DAILY basis....we don't need to have to try and deal with Refugee's from a country that has heavy involvement with ISIS and no way of truly vetting these folks.

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Nov 16 at 2015 11:34 PM

Capt Gregory Prickett — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 23:34:04 -0500

PO3 Sherry Thornburg "He was County Commissioner for Harris County during Hurricane Katrina..."

No, he wasn't. He was the Attorney General of Texas during Katrina (2005). Before that, he was an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of Texas. He has never been a County Commissioner for Harris County.

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Nov 17 at 2015 12:49 AM

SP5 Michael Rathbun — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 00:49:25 -0500

Well, I see that Ted Cruz (with others) wants to admit only Christian Syrian refugees. Too bad for the other non-Muslims.

I wonder what sort of test they want to apply... Perhaps being able to recite the Nicene Creed in Greek? A letter of attestation from your (probably now deceased) parish priest? The Little Litany in Arabic? Just a personal declaration?

Duuuuuudes: if these killers want to enter the country to massacre our populace, would they lie about their religious beliefs?

Naaah, not even a tiny chance.

Disclaimer: I was choir director in a Syrian Antiochian Orthodox Christian parish for a few years. I have a reasonably good idea what this is all about.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 17 at 2015 1:15 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 01:15:22 -0500

Set up some GP Mediums dress right dress on the White House lawn.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 17 at 2015 3:26 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 03:26:00 -0500

Governor Abbot and all the other governors Who are opposed to bringing the Syrian refugees to their state into our country in general are concerned like I am that the people being brought to this country from Syria are not being properly vetted. Most of the people being relocated are men between the ages of 18 and 35. That is military Aged men Who may have terrorist connections and a national security risk to our country. Because all of the people who have recently been the perpetrator of terrorist acts have been Islamic men who fall into that range of ages These people need to be carefully scrutinized. The better solution would be for them to help effect changes in their homeland so this review crisis can and and families are not torn apart and our national security is preserved.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 17 at 2015 6:55 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 06:55:02 -0500

" As the Supreme Court explained in Hines v. Davidowitz, “the supremacy of the national power in the general field of foreign affairs, including power over immigration, naturalization and deportation, is made clear by the Constitution.” States do not get to overrule the federal government on matters such as this one.

Just in case there is any doubt, President Obama has explicit statutory authorization to accept foreign refugees into the United States. Under the Refugee Act of 1980, the president may admit refugees who face “persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion” into the United States, and the president’s power to do so is particularly robust if they determine that an “unforeseen emergency refugee situation” such as the Syrian refugee crisis exists.

This power to admit refugees fits within the scheme of “broad discretion exercised by immigration officials” that the Supreme Court recognized in its most recent major immigration case, Arizona v. United States. Indeed, in describing the executive branch’s broad authority to make discretionary calls regarding immigration matters, Arizona seemed to explicitly contemplate the circumstances that face President Obama today. The United States may wish to allow a foreign national to remain within its borders, the Court explained, because the individual’s home nation “may be mired in civil war, complicit in political persecution, or enduring conditions that create a real risk that the alien or his family will be harmed upon return.”

Response by SPC Jared Bever made Nov 17 at 2015 5:19 PM

SPC Jared Bever — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 17:19:16 -0500

Because terrorists pretending to be refugees is just one way of them to get here in large numbers.

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Nov 17 at 2015 9:44 PM

SP5 Mark Kuzinski — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 21:44:04 -0500

Let's put it this way:

Response by SGT Dana Williams made Nov 18 at 2015 3:09 AM

SGT Dana Williams — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 03:09:14 -0500

A rare outbreak of Common Sense!

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Nov 18 at 2015 3:16 AM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 03:16:42 -0500

They can't do anything about it. I lisened to the Gov. Of New Jersy on fox refugees resettled there and no one is told. It is time for Saudi Arabia, Jordon ad the other Arab countries to step up and take these people. We have given them millions if not billions in aide.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Nov 18 at 2015 4:18 PM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 16:18:51 -0500

Here is a very thorough article concerning the refugee process and the concerns about bringing Syrian refugees here. Good information. http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/11/can-terrorists-really-infiltrate-the-syrian-refugee-program/416475/

Can Terrorists Really Infiltrate the Syrian Refugee Program?

Despite the current uproar, the U.S. has been resettling people fleeing war-torn countries for decades without trouble.

Response by TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA made Nov 18 at 2015 4:49 PM

TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 16:49:30 -0500

Z DEVELOPING: Police in Honduras caught five Syrians who were trying to make their way to the United States with stolen and doctored passports, according to reports. http://fxn.ws/1S4MIvC

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Nov 18 at 2015 4:50 PM

SPC George Rudenko — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 16:50:42 -0500

Surprisingly red states say no to refugees

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Nov 19 at 2015 1:38 AM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 01:38:21 -0500

I found this today. It is a very long documentation of 66 people arrested for plotting terrorist acts, to sent aid to terrorist groups overseas or go train to become terrorists over the last 18 months. I guess its not an if Syrians to come are going to cause trouble. Syrians are already showing up and being detained at our border with Mexico and in South American Countries. We already have refugees, naturalized immigrants and 2 former service members starting the process. This UK source has published a number of things I've shared lately.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3322649/The-enemy-Nearly-SEVENTY-arrested-America-ISIS-plots-include-refugees-given-safe-haven-turned-terror.html

66 arrested in America over ISIS and they include refugees

Dozens of people have been arrested in the US and charged over plotting for ISIS. Some entered the US as refugees. Republicans are trying to stop the US accepting tens of thousands of Syrians.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 19 at 2015 10:39 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 10:39:59 -0500

Since the Syrian Civil war kicked off in 2011, we have accepted 1,854 Syrian Refugees PO3 Sherry Thornburg. Unfunded mandates have been an issue for states for a long time. Federal programs tend to provide funding to the states required to implement them. Over time the funding is reduced but the need for the funding is not always reduced [intentional understatement]
Many states are dealing with providing basic services to some 20,000,000 central and south American illegal aliens. Bringing people from 1/3 of the way around the world from a former French colony to this nation and expect them to be welcomed in large numbers is very unrealistic. I expect some funds will be provided but they will be "a day late and a dollar short" for the refugees and the communities were they are inserted.
I expect the bulk of these Syrians that were admitted since 2012 under asylum procedures. I would think many of them are terrified at the prospect of vast numbers of unvetted Syrians coming to this nation since they were not put in witness protection.
The hyperlink provides a graphic overlay of where the the Syrian Refugees admitted to the U.S. since 2012 were placed and compares with States whose governors said they opposed the placement of Syrian refugees in their states.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/10/21/us/where-syrian-refugees-are-in-the-united-states.html?_r=1
Thanks for tagging me CPT L S

Paris Attacks Intensify Debate Over How Many Syrian Refugees to Allow Into the U.S.

A growing number of governors said they oppose the entry of Syrian refugees into their states.

Response by PO1 Bill Adams made Nov 19 at 2015 4:52 PM

PO1 Bill Adams — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 16:52:06 -0500

Some of the refugees will be ISIS. I don't understand what more needs to be said.

Americans will die at the hands of the ISIS fighters that hide among the true refugees. We can help the refugees without bringing them and ISIS to our cities. Set up a safe zone in Syria for them.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Nov 19 at 2015 9:15 PM

Capt Walter Miller — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 21:15:47 -0500

"Do you know the reasons behind Texas, and other states refusing Syrian Refugees?"

Plain as the nose on your face.

Americans are cowards and racists.

Walt

Response by MSG Gerry Poe made Nov 19 at 2015 9:58 PM

MSG Gerry Poe — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 21:58:23 -0500

To risky to let these refugees right in and hand over a target with ease. We all know that anyone can just jump into the USA from different boarders. But to let them in freely, just isn't good national defense Tatics. Each state needs to have the choice to protect its citizens. Our Federal government micro-manages enough as it is!

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Nov 19 at 2015 9:59 PM

SSG Todd Halverson — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 21:59:23 -0500

My guess would be that there is no guarantee that there is no security risk by bringing them in. The Government can't tell who is and who is not a part of ISIS.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Nov 22 at 2015 12:31 AM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 00:31:14 -0500

because they've surrendered to the terrorists by letting an unrealistic level of fear in thier hearts, they've given up their "conservative christian" values by thumbing their noses at people that truly need help.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 22 at 2015 6:47 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 18:47:20 -0500

CPT L S - since you brought up the subject "When we are remembered like those who turned away the Jews, when Hitler was burning them. When we allowed our fellows to put the Nisei into camps. When we allowed our minorities to be abused, even as we served alongside them in combat."
My British family cared for a Slav immediately after WWII ended who was tortured at Treblinka by the Nazis. I met him when I was a teenager. Many British families cared for former prisoner of the Reich.
In this nation the Japanese and American Indians were kept in camps and on reservations to protect the USA citizens. Before we got involved in WWII, America turned away the Jews and did not believe they were being exterminated by Hitler who was praised by the Muslim Grand Mufti of Jerusalem or Hitler's solution too the "Jewish problem."
Until the "Syrian Refugees" are properly vetted allowing so many into this nation is risky. I am more concerned about the 1,854 Syrian asylum seekers who came here since 2012. Assad agents and ISIS informants would love to learn where those defectors went to in this nation. SGT Efaw (Mick) G. SSG Gerhard S. SP5 Michael Rathbun SP5 Mark Kuzinski SSgt Alex Robinson PO3 Sherry Thornburg

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Nov 22 at 2015 8:53 PM

Capt Jeff S. — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 20:53:27 -0500

Uh, the fact that the Federal Gov't is imposing and can't guarantee that terrorists aren't mixed in with the refugees???

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Nov 24 at 2015 3:15 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 15:15:18 -0500

I know there is going to be a lot of anti Muslim rhetoric but in actuality its because those people are not properly vetted.
While I am not without compassion for those who are forced to flee, the elderly and young children, I am disturbed by the number of able bodied young men who are fleeing instead of fighting for their country.
Paris gets attacked right after allowing in numerous refugees, Germany has a bomb scare at a soccer game between Germany and France after allowing in numerous refugees, Belgium was on lock down for 3 plus days after intel concerning potential terrorist attacks, also after allowing in refugees.
It just makes one wonder why so soon after allowing in refugees are there increased terrorist attacks or threats called in.
I know plenty of Syrians growing up in Michigan, my grandparents used to own a corner market in Detroit and there were Syrian, Lebanese, and other customers always coming to the store and they were always nice and cheerful, inviting us to eat at a local restaurant they or someone they knew owned. But that was the 1960's and 1970's, today with all the craziness going on its hard to trust.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Nov 25 at 2015 4:00 PM

SSG John Jensen — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 16:00:39 -0500

accept those young men only if they are coming with their Entire Families: mom, dad, younger siblings, then you will have system of warning of my son is acting strange, younger siblings will americanize fast, however there is risk of americanized sisters driving elder brother over the edge to radicalization. and accept young men who are coming with wives and children. the refugees are running from the terrorists, if you ban the refugees, you are giving IS just what they want.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Nov 25 at 2015 4:02 PM

SSG John Jensen — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 16:02:14 -0500

if the governor of texas wants to protect his people he should institute gun control - a texan with a gun seems to be like a lieutenant with a compass

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2015 4:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 16:06:37 -0500

Isn't it easier to just come here on a tourist visa? Why wouldn't the terrorists try that instead?

Response by SSG John Jensen made Nov 29 at 2015 4:17 PM

SSG John Jensen — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 16:17:45 -0500

Texas should take in every refugee from the middle east - it was the ex-governor of Texas GW Bush that decided to take out Saddam Hussein, if Saddam Hussein was still in power every one of those refugees would still be home! Certain parts of the world only work with a strongman in power - someone to tell everybody "be peaceful or I will kill You' . The president of Syria is the strongman that is keeping the Syrian Christians safe - if you want to get rid of him then you are the ones that want to kill the Syrian Christians, the same way that you all killed the Iraqi Christians

Response by PV2 Scott Goodpasture made Dec 9 at 2015 8:29 PM

PV2 Scott Goodpasture — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 20:29:19 -0500

Cause Texans don't take kindly to Syrian refugees because they don't trust them. And why should they?