Palazzo bill would let states turn away Syrian refugees

U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo, R-4, said he introduced a bill Tuesday that would let states decide whether they will accept refugees from the war in Syria.

"Our governor, along with 29 other states' governors, announced that they will not allow Syrian refugees to be resettled in their state," he said in a press release. "My bill will provide states clear federal authority to opt out of the Syrian refugee program."

Commenters on the congressman's Facebook page have been urging him to do just that since the attacks Friday in Paris.

"No refugees in MS, please," one posted Friday even as the attacks and the search for attackers continued.

Of the 31 governors (more joined in after Palazzo's email was sent) who said they won't accept refugees, all but one are Republicans.

"We have no foolproof way of vetting these refugees and state officials should have the right to protect their citizens by refusing to participate in refugee programs," Palazzo said. "This is an insurance policy for the governors to use if the President continues to ignore the will of the American people."

Bennie Thompson, D-2, has said he has confidence in the federal government's vetting system.

"Providing safe harbor to individuals who no longer have a home because of war and violence is the humane and American thing to do," he told the Associated Press.

Gregg Harper, R-3, posted on his Facebook page Sunday, "I believe that no Syrian refugees should be allowed in America unless they can be fully vetted."

Republican Trent Kelly, who was elected earlier this year to replace the late Alan Nunnelee in District 1, also said he supports Gov. Phil Bryant, who said does not want refugees coming to Mississippi.

Palazzo said his legislation would clearly prohibit the resettlement of any refugee in a state whose governor has taken formal action to disapprove of refugees or certain refugees during that year.

This story was originally published November 17, 2015 at 6:17 PM with the headline "Palazzo bill would let states turn away Syrian refugees ."