Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback announced Tuesday that he’s withdrawing the state from the Obama administration’s refugee relocation program due to security concerns.
“Kansas remains a state that has always been welcoming to refugees, but we must take prudent and responsible actions to protect our communities,” Mr. Brownback said. “If I have to choose between the safety and security of Kansans and the relocation of refugees, I will take action to protect Kansans.”
Mr. Brownback, a Republican, already had ordered state agencies to refrain from helping the federal government assist in the resettlement of refugees from Syria or other countries that pose a potential security risk.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Tuesday that he had not heard of Mr. Brownback’s actions and couldn’t comment.
President Obama has agreed to accept 10,000 refugees from Syria this year, a move that has encountered bipartisan opposition in Congress and from many governors.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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