Gov. Sam Brownback: Keep Syrian refugees out of Kansas
Friday’s act of terrorism reminds us that the world sometimes seems too dangerous, too unknowable. But we know that some truths have not changed.
Freedom is the birthright of every human, and it will not be vanquished by those who seek to destroy it. We know that good will triumph over evil. We know that vigilance is the eternal price of liberty.
My first priority as governor is the safety of all Kansans, and in this dangerous environment, we must take prudent and responsible actions to protect our citizens. That is why I signed an executive order directing that no state agency, or organization receiving grant money from the state, will participate in or assist in any way in the relocation of Syrian refugees in Kansas.
It is imperative that we take action where the White House has not.
It is unfortunate that we must take this step to protect the safety of Kansans, but the federal government cannot guarantee that Syrian refugees coming to America would not be part of a terrorist organization seeking to harm our citizens.
America has always provided a refuge for the oppressed and those who seek freedom. However, we must be sure that we are not admitting terrorists as we try to help the innocents who desire the opportunity for a better life and the basic liberty of religious freedom. Most people seeking refugee status are peaceful individuals looking for a better life. But we cannot allow an influx of Syrian refugees, without any meaningful security checks, while ISIS is promising to infiltrate the refugee process.
Our resources can be better used to help persecuted Syrians. We must consider whether refugees fleeing the persecution of their home country may be better served by resettlement in a friendly nation closer to their homes. Though America will continue to be a country that defends the oppressed, our allies in the region must also step up to stem the tide of this humanitarian crisis.
Sam Brownback is governor of Kansas.
This story was originally published November 16, 2015 at 6:06 PM with the headline "Gov. Sam Brownback: Keep Syrian refugees out of Kansas."