By Linda Bentley | NOVEMBER 18, 2015

Ducey calls for immediate halt to placement of refugees in Arizona

Democracy for America cries bigotry and Islamophobia

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PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey issued a statement on Monday regarding President Barack Obama’s insistence on moving forward with plans to resettle Syrian refugees in various states, which includes Arizona.

He said, “Given the horrifying events in Paris last week, I am calling for an immediate halt in the placement of any new refugees in Arizona. As governor, I am invoking our state’s right under 8 USC, Section 1522 (a), to receive immediate consultation by federal authorities per the United States Refugee Act, and that the federal government take into account the concerns and recommendations of the state of Arizona as they are required to under federal law, in our efforts to keep our homeland safe. I also call on Congress and the President to immediately amend federal law to provide states greater oversight and authority in the administration of the placement of refugees. These acts serve as a reminder that the world remains at war with radical Islamic terrorists. Our national leaders must react with the urgency and leadership that every American expects to protect our citizens.”

As more states face the facts that what happened in Paris could very well happen here, several governors have demanded Obama and Congress put a stop to plans to resettle Syrian “refugees” in our country, now that it is has become clear Islamist extremists and ISIS have infiltrated the group in large numbers.

Meanwhile, Charles Chamberlain, executive director of Democracy for America (DFA), a liberal political action committee founded by Howard Dean, former governor of Vermont and former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, has sent out an e-mail to say this is simply Republicans “caving to alarmist and Islamophobic elements on the far right who want our country to turn our backs on a suffering population.”

Chamberlain claims it’s just about “bigotry and Islamophobia” and Republicans sensing a political opportunity to “exploit hate and fear.”

He also asserts the Department of Homeland Security’s refugee process is already extremely strict and refugees undergo extensive background checks, biometric screening and investigations by intelligence agencies.

The FBI has already indicated it doesn’t have enough intelligence to properly screen those claiming to be Syrian refugees.

DFA says it has been at the forefront of the movement to continue welcoming refugees and, in September, tens of thousands of DFA members urged Democratic presidential candidates to expand the number of Syrian refugees we allow in this country.

Chamberlain boasts how the candidates defended DFA’s policy of welcoming Syrian refugees during last Saturday night’s presidential candidate debate.

Chamberlain concludes with, “The best response to terrorism is to double down on our country’s values, including welcoming refugees from Syria – and show that the words on the Statue of Liberty still have meaning.

“Stand up to hate and defend American values by signing the petition: tell Congress right now to continue welcoming Syrian refugees to our country.”