CT Group's Steps to Take in Syrian Refugees Scrutinized After Paris Attacks

Bethel resident James Naddeo and a group of citizens set the wheels in motion last month to aid Syrian refugees by holding a meeting at the Bethel ArtSpace, but some residents are concerned after the Paris terrorist attacks.

Representatives from IRIS-CT (irisct.org) in New Haven held the introductory meeting in Bethel last month about co-sponsoring a Syrian refugee family and discussing a plan for mobilizing the community to support them. IRIS-CT — Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services — is a program of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut.

On Monday, Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said the state will continue to accept more than 1,600 refugees from Syria, which is upsetting to some citizens and legislators.

After Friday’s terrorist attacks in Paris that left 125 dead, governors from Texas, Alabama, Michigan, and Louisiana have decided not to accept Syrian refugees into their states. Malloy said security background checks should address the small number of people coming into Connecticut.

State Sen. Toni Boucher said a large number of people reached out to her in the last few days expressing “grave concerns” about the Syrian refugee crisis. “They are genuinely concerned for their safety. The first duty of government is the protection and safety of its people. This policy is ill advised as current methods for checking the background of those now coming into this country are failing.”

Boucher continued, “Our government needs to improve its process before, not after, another tradgedy occurs.”

Naddeo said that state governors claiming they’ll block re-settlement efforts “is all just political pandering intended to appease those constituents whose fear of the unknown is so crippling, it prevents them from seeing the great humanitarian need before their eyes.”

The Bethel group working to bring a refugee family here seeks to gain approval as a co-sponsor, along with IRIS.

“While we cannot say with 100 percent certainty that family will be Syrian should we be approved, we remain committed to the process we have begun with IRIS, and look forward to helping the family that arrives,” Naddeo stated.

He said he applauds Governor Malloy’s decision to continue to accept refugees “despite the howls from Republicans in the Senate and other governors ordering their state staff to prevent resettlement efforts.“

One of those Republicans is Dan Carter who said he has concerns regarding the settling of Syrian refugees in Connecticut:

“I am familiar with the plight of refugees from my experience in Bosnia, so I understand the need for us to be compassionate and help those who have lost everything. I would expect that the Governor will come forward with some more specifics about how individuals who are to be settled in Connecticut are vetted. Without these additional assurances, it will be difficult for many in our community to support the efforts. We must also be reasonable about the financial commitment we make to this effort, especially when we are deep into another budget crisis and we already have so many neighbors who need our help. As this process moves forward I am hopeful that we can find it in ourselves to help other human beings, but the security of our families is paramount.”

Wendy Cahill, owner of Molten Java in Bethel disagrees.

“Welcoming Syrian families into our state is one very real and positive way that we can fight Islamic fundamentalism. Some fear may be justified but we can’t let it override the fact that there could be 1600 More Syrians fighting fundamentalists in the West. We need to take that chance and show our humanity. This is bigger than my overall issues as a feminist and member of the LGBT community. Tolerance takes time and experience, and as we know, generations. Before there is change and advancement regarding Sharia Law, there needs to be less unrest in the regions of Islam. We’ve seen it happen in Afghanistan before we put the Taliban in charge. I believe in kindness for change. It worked in my insignificant life. I think it can work even more when entire communities embrace it. If we are putting the homeland at risk, I say, so be it. If they want an ideological war. I want to be on the side that’s brave and kind.”

Naddeo said the group will be sending representatives to IRIS for two upcoming orientations in December, and at that point he should have a much clearer picture of their timeline in the process. “My hope is that we will be able to welcome a family by early 2016, perhaps as soon as January or February.”

What do you think? Tell us in the comments below or send your letter to the editor to wendy.mitchell@patch.com.

Photo: IRIS