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Kasich Seeks to Stop Syrian Resettlement in Ohio
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Gov. John Kasich doesn’t want Ohio or the United States to accept more Syrian refugees.
Spokesman Jim Lynch says the Republican presidential candidate is writing to ask President Barack Obama to stop resettling Syrian refugees in Ohio because safety and security issues can’t adequately be addressed. Kasich also is reviewing steps Ohio might take to stop resettlement.
Republican Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio issued a similar call Monday, saying he’s concerned the government can’t fully check refugees’ backgrounds.
Kasich is among several governors moving to temporarily halt acceptance of Syrian refugees following Friday’s deadly attacks in Paris. They’re responding to heightened concerns that terrorists might use refugees as cover to sneak across borders.
Immigrant rights groups argue that states don’t have legal authority to block refugees from being resettled.