RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC/AP) — Several Virginia delegates are calling on Governor Terry McAuliffe to refuse the settlement of Syrian refugees in the Commonwealth for two years.
Virginia House of Delegates Majority Caucus Chairman Tim Hugo (R-40), Deputy Majority Leader Todd Gilbert (R-15), Delegate Greg Habeeb (R-08) and Delegate Manoli Loupassi (R-68), on Monday called on McAuliffe to refuse Syrian refugee resettlements in Virginia for a two year period.
“This legislation is being proposed in response to recent terrorist attacks in France, as we have seen radicals use the refugee crisis as a means to enter other countries,” said Delegate Hugo. “Before we can allow further resettlement in Virginia, we must have full confidence in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its procedures. Virginia is a welcoming state, but our first priority is the safety of our citizens.”
Hugo, Gilbert, Habeeb and Loupassi plan to introduce legislation in the 2016 General Assembly session aimed at prohibiting state agencies from assisting in the resettlement of Syrian refugees in Virginia for the next two years.
A spokesman for Governor McAuliffe, Brian Coy, released a statement on Monday, saying his public safety team is in communications with federal authorities about refugee resettlements, including relocations involving Syrians.
The statement reads in full:
The Governor is following the tragic events in France and sends his deepest condolences to all people affected by those senseless acts of terrorism. Nothing is more important to the Governor and his team than keeping Virginians safe. He has asked Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran and his team to maintain close contact with federal and local authorities in order to ensure that we are taking every step we can to protect our communities.
“With respect to refugees, the Governor and his public safety team are in constant communication with federal authorities about all refugee resettlements, including those involving refugees from Syria. Every refugee who is settled in the U.S. undergoes intensive security screening, and the Governor has asked Secretary Moran to ensure that every proper precaution is taken to keep Virginians safe.”
Coy said the governor would have no additional comment.
While some governors have threatened to block the entry of Syrian refugees, experts say they lack legal authority to do that.
Stay with 8News for the latest on this developing story.
