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USA (MNN/Bethany) — The governors of 26 U.S. states say they will not resettle any refugees from Syria in their states.
— Alabama
— Arizona
— Arkansas
— Florida
— Georgia
— Idaho
— Illinois
— Indiana
— Iowa
— Kansas
— Louisiana
— Maine
— Massachusetts
— Michigan
— Mississippi
— Nebraska
— New Hampshire
— North Carolina
— Ohio
— Oklahoma
— South Carolina
— Tennessee
— Texas
— Wisconsin
The announcements come amid reports that at least one of the Paris attackers slipped through Europe’s immigration system, and concerns about “gaping holes” impacting America’s screening process.
“Michigan is a welcoming state and we are proud of our rich history of immigration,” Governor Rick Snyder said in a statement. “But our first priority is protecting the safety of our residents.”
Bethany Christian Services, which is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, released the following statement in light of a refugee resettlement program in which they participate:
We are deeply saddened by the attacks in Paris and grieve for those who have lost loved ones. We pray for their strength in this tragic time.
We understand Governor Snyder’s decision to suspend acceptance of Syrian refugees into Michigan. We anticipate this is a temporary response to a devastating situation. Millions of Syrians are fleeing their homes to resettle in neighboring countries. There are still thousands waiting to be resettled. All refugees coming to the United States are vetted first through the United Nations and then through U.S. authorities, including the National Counterterrorism Center, the Terrorist Screening Center, the Department of Defense, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security. This screening process can take up to two years.
Many refugees are children who arrive as unaccompanied minors, having been separated from their families abroad as they fled violence or disaster. In partnership with local churches and community agencies, Bethany Christian Services provides support to refugee and immigrant families to help them adjust to a new life in the United States.
For more information on the security screening of refugees admitted to the United States, visit http://www.state.gov/j/prm/ra/admissions/index.htm or www.refugees.org.
The acceptance of Syrian or any refugees from that area is something I struggle with. My concern is not only that a terrorist may be among the refugees…but look how refugees have changed the face of Europe and the culture of European countries. Islam is evil and yet we welcome its believers among us… it’s pretty scary to think how American society has changed in the past several years…what will the influx of Muslims do? Liberals are putting Christians in a small box…what will adding Muslms to the mix do? It just doesn’t look safe for Christians either way. But where do we have to run to?
And I have this question. ISIS is killing or enslaving Syrian & Iraqi Christians yet there are no Christians among these millionsflooding into Europe.
Life as we have known is past….it seems the time we live in is swiftly ushering in the end of this age and the return of The Christ…. that is where I place my hope….
Anyone who would put their trust in government bureaucratic agencies such as the United Nations and then through U.S. authorities, including the National Counterterrorism Center, the Terrorist Screening Center, the Department of Defense, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security is naive to think they would do a proper job of vetting these refugees.
I don’t think we can trust government agencies to properly vet these refugees. We need to help establish a safe zone for them in their own country. Cultural and language barriers hinder their success in other countries. If in Syria they can live and thrive hopefully.
If they would let a correct mix of families in versus the high rate (70-80%) military aged men, it would be more realistic. The regfugee make up is not real, highly suspicious.
Great idea if their country welcomed them. When nobody accepts them, peace loving people will be slaughtered. Time & time again God has displaced people & provided us with opportunities to make disciples of men . The end of ages does not come until ALL have heard about His grace . May God continue to bless Bethany Christian Services. Fear plays into the hands of terrorists. They are loving this conversation, but hating any mention of hope in Jesus Christ. Please God let us all turn to you in prayer and let our actions bring you honor.
I agree Islamic Radicals are scary and the end times seem nearer than ever. Also, that Christ is with us and fear is never to be a part of our lives. But wisdom is. “Be as wise as serpents and innocent as doves,” the Bible says. I agree the U.N. can’t be trusted to vet, are you kidding? Most U.N. nations are socialist dictatorships, many sworn enemies of the U.S. among them. I think it is telling that 26 governors, democrats included, are saying a pause is wise in light of events, especially telling is “welcoming” Michigan, which leads in accepting Muslims. Also, you who listen to Obama and the leftist media, beware of complacent messages such as “containment.” Can evil be contained or must it be defeated? I know in the end times that Jesus will not “contain” Satan but a sure end is planned for him. House Speaker Ryan speaks well on the Syrian refugee situation at:
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/susan-jones/speaker-ryan-calls-pause-syrian-refugee-program. Through courage and love may we respond to the refugee crisis, I agree, but not necessarily the exact way in which Obama is pressing hard. If an assassin was hidden among a poor family at your door, would you let them all in at once? We must ask God for wisdom in this situation. And we must look carefully at the motives of such leaders who press their cause and yet lack God’s wisdom in their hearts.
Yes, I think it is rather somewhat strange that many of the refugees are single young men (granted they are probably most able and fit to flee a crisis). But I think the state governors who are questioning the current system of seeming wide open doors to refugees are doing the right thing. We need a better system in place. Do these Muslim Syrian refugees even have a say in their seeming forceful relocation half way around the world?
I trust that Almighty God has a plan in all of this. Whether or not these thousands of Syrian refugees are relocated to American soil, as Christians we need to actively express God’s love through acts of kindness and sharing of the good news of Christ Jesus to all with whom we come into contact. Perhaps God is trying to get our attention as Christians in the West who may not be doing our part in fulfilling the Great Commission. So, God is sending them to us. God’s mercy and His grace constantly amaze me!