Michigan's Republican governor, who has bucked many party leaders for welcoming Syrian refugees, is putting efforts on hold following the deadly attacks in Paris.
Governor Rick Snyder said in a statement Sunday that the state is postponing efforts to accept refugees until federal officials fully review security clearances and procedures.
Snyder says Michigan is "proud of our rich history of immigration" but that Michigan's "priority is protecting the safety of our residents."
Several GOP candidates have criticized the Obama administration's plans to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees and urge much greater scrutiny.
Officials say Friday's gun and bomb attacks killed 129 people. One of the attackers had a Syrian passport, but it wasn't clear whether the passport was fake or real.
Monday morning, Texas followed Michigan's lead.
"As governor of Texas, I write to inform you that the State of Texas will not accept any refugees from Syria in the wake of the deadly terrorist attack in Paris," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote in a letter to U.S. President Barack Obama. "Further, I — and millions of Americans — implore you to halt your plans to accept more Syrian refugees in the United States."
Governor Rick Snyder said in a statement Sunday that the state is postponing efforts to accept refugees until federal officials fully review security clearances and procedures.
Snyder says Michigan is "proud of our rich history of immigration" but that Michigan's "priority is protecting the safety of our residents."
Several GOP candidates have criticized the Obama administration's plans to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees and urge much greater scrutiny.
Officials say Friday's gun and bomb attacks killed 129 people. One of the attackers had a Syrian passport, but it wasn't clear whether the passport was fake or real.
Monday morning, Texas followed Michigan's lead.
"As governor of Texas, I write to inform you that the State of Texas will not accept any refugees from Syria in the wake of the deadly terrorist attack in Paris," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote in a letter to U.S. President Barack Obama. "Further, I — and millions of Americans — implore you to halt your plans to accept more Syrian refugees in the United States."
