POLL: Should Texas Welcome Syrian Refugees?

A political firestorm is raging in this country over the acceptance of Syrian refugees in the U.S. after one of the terrorists who carried out last Friday’s attacks in Paris was found to carry a Syrian passport. The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that the passport was fake.

More than half of the nation’s governors, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott have announced that Syrian refugees are not welcome in their states. In fact, Gov. Abbott has been one of the more outspoken leaders against the resettlement of Syrian refugees, sending a letter to President Obama on Monday voicing his concern.

“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 in the letter.

On Tuesday Abbott made it clear that he considers Syrian refugees a threat to security, directing Department of Public Safety officials to check on the 200 refugees already settled in Texas, reported the Houston Chronicle.

The Chronicle obtained the letter to the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Health and Human Services Commission, which read: “”work with federal and local officials to ensure any refugees already in this state do not pose a risk to public safety.”

On Tuesday Abbott also appointed Cecile Young — the health commision’s chief of staff — as the new state Refugee Coordinator.

Do you think Gov. Abbott is right? Make your voice heard by voting in our poll, and commenting below this article.