Gov. Malloy Issues Connecticut's Position on Syrian Refugees

By Brian McCready and Beth Dalbey,

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said Monday afternoon that the state will continue to accept more than 1,600 refugees from Syria, NBC Connecticut reports.

Malloy’s decision is the exact opposite of what governors from Texas, Alabama, Michigan, and Louisiana have decided in light of the terrorist attacks in Paris that left more than 125 dead. Those governors have all said they will not accept Syrian refugees into their states.

The Islamic State, which took responsibility for bombings Friday in Paris and Thursday in Beirut, has strongholds in Syria.

Malloy said security background checks should address the small number of people coming into Connecticut, NBC Connecticut said.

The governor did say there is likely to be heightened security, especially at major transit areas. He said he is confident that the state is safe.

“We should be safe,” Malloy said, according to NBC Connecticut. “On the other hand, America has always had a big heart.”

While Malloy is saying Connecticut will still accept Syrian refugees, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said Monday his state will not accept any Syrian refugees following a series of attacks in Paris that left more than 125 dead Friday night.

“Given the tragic attack in Paris and the threats we have already seen in Texas, coupled with the FBI director’s acknowledgment that we do not have the information necessary to effectively vet Syrian nationals, Texas cannot participate in any program that will result in Syrian refugees - any one of whom could be connected to terrorism - being resettled in Texas,” Abbott wrote Monday in a letter to President Obama.

This weekend, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said his state will pause already divisive efforts to bring Syrian refugees to Michigan after Friday’s deadly terror attacks in Paris.

President Obama said the United States can and should provide a safe haven for some of the millions of refugees seeking asylum from terror, while at the same time taking a hard line against the Islamic State and ensuring the security and safety of the American people.

Not accepting refugees is a “betrayal of U.S. values,” the president said.