Governor Scott Walker Releases Statement on Federal Syrian Refugee Resettlement Program
"Furthermore, I am opposed to recently introduced legislation encouraging the state to accept Syrian refugees in Wisconsin."
Gov. Scott Walker. Photo from the State of Wisconsin.
Madison – Governor Scott Walker released the following statement today regarding his concerns with the federal Syrian refugee resettlement program:
In light of these horrific and tragic attacks, our first priority must be to protect our citizens. Along with governors across the country, I have deep concerns about the Obama Administration’s plan to accept 10,000 or more Syrian refugees, especially given that one of the Paris attackers was reportedly a Syrian refugee. In consultation with our Adjutant General, who also serves as my Homeland Security Advisor, it is clear that the influx of Syrian refugees poses a threat.
With this in mind, I am calling upon the President to immediately suspend the program pending a full review of its security and acceptance procedures. The State of Wisconsin will not accept new Syrian refugees.
There may be those who will try to take advantage of the generosity of our country and the ability to move freely within our borders through this federal resettlement program, and we must ensure we are doing all we can to safeguard the security of Americans.
Furthermore, I am opposed to recently introduced legislation encouraging the state to accept Syrian refugees in Wisconsin.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
Recent Press Releases by Gov. Scott Walker
Governor Walker Orders Flags to Half-Staff Honoring Master Sergeant Jonathan Dunbar
Apr 13th, 2019 by Gov. Scott WalkerGovernor Scott Walker ordered flags to half-staff on Saturday, April 14, 2018.
Governor Walker Orders Flags to Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Captain Christopher Truman of the Lake Mills Fire Department
Jan 3rd, 2019 by Gov. Scott WalkerCaptain Truman died on December 31, 2018, while selflessly assisting a driver of a crashed vehicle on Highway 12 near the Yahara River Bridge in Monona, Wisconsin.
Governor Walker Appoints St. Croix County Judge and Ashland County District Attorney
Jan 2nd, 2019 by Gov. Scott WalkerGovernor Scott Walker today appointed Attorney Scott J. Nordstrand to serve as a judge on the St. Croix County Circuit Court and Attorney David Meany to the position of Ashland County District Attorney.
Perhaps if Scott Walker had completed his college education he might realize that the Federal Government has control over policies in reference to refugees as well as immigration. Neither states or their respective governors have the authority or power turn away people they may not like. I would hope that the governor knew that before speaking on the refugee issue, that he was aware of his empty rhetoric, and that he was merely blowing hard to gain political ballast, but who could really say. Personally I hope he gets to work on Wisconsin’s section of the Canadian wall around Lake Superior to create some of those jobs he promised us, and that we so dearly need.
I for one would really like to see the news story about the refugees denied a business license or a drivers license or a whatever by the state. Just exactly what does he think he can instruct the state to do to “not assist refugees” or “make sure they don’t stay here”?
http://walker.wi.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Letter%20to%20Depts%20of%20State%2C%20HHS%20re%20Syrian%20Refugees.pdf
“Our state will not facilitate the coordination or provision of benefits or services for individuals whose presence could pose a potential risk to our people. We will make all efforts to ensure that Syrian refugees are not resettled within the boundaries of our state.”
Ironically, the definition of “refugee” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refugee) includes the words “well-founded grounds for fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality…”. In other words, he’ll do again to them what’s already been done, making him no better than Bashar Al-Asad. (sp?)
Scott Walker really needs to take a one way swim into Lake Michigan.