Rep. Yoho Pushes Bill to Allow State Governors to Keep Syrian Refugees Out

Florida's Republican Rep. Ted Yoho is proposing a bill to let governors block Syrian refugees from resettling in their states.

"The first responsibility of the federal government is to provide for the common defense and protection of all Americans," Yoho, who sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said in introducing the legislation earlier this week, Sunshine State News reports. 

He added it was "no secret that ISIS, and those who wish American harm, fight in the shadows and will use the cover of the tragic Syrian refugee crisis as cover to enter into the United States."

"In light of the Paris attacks, it is wise that we suspend the current refugee relocation process until we know for a fact who these people are," he said, the media outlet reports. "This is a legitimate security concern. Until we can figure this out, governors of each state should not be pushed by the Obama administration to accept these refugees."

Florida's Gov. Rick Scott is among state executives who've come out against the Obama administration’s plan to allow 10,000 refugees from Syria into the United States. 

The Hill reports, however, the Obama administration has said governors can’t legally block the resettlement – though officials concede the program requires support from communities willing to accept the refugees. 

"I don’t believe all refugees are terrorists, but we cannot compromise our security," Yoho said, Sunshine State News reports. "We have a right to know who is coming into the United States and for what purpose. Until we do and properly secure our methods, the refugee program should be suspended."

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