DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad wants to protect residents in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris but said he may not have the authority to block Syrian refugees from entering the state.
Branstad said Monday that dealing with Syrian refugees was a “dangerous and delicate situation.” However, the Republican governor said states might not be able to stop refugees because “this is a federal program.”
Several U.S. governors say they will halt efforts to allow Syrian refugees into their states in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. The governors are responding to heightened concerns that terrorists might use the refugees as cover to sneak across borders.
Branstad said he wants more coordination and information from the federal government about where people are being placed and the vetting process.
