SWISHER, Iowa (AP) — An eastern Iowa mayor has issued a proclamation welcoming Syrian refugees after governors throughout the country voiced opposition to allowing them into their states.
The Iowa City Press-Citizen reports that Swisher Mayor Christopher Taylor issued the formal welcome on Wednesday. Governors in at least 27 states, including Iowa, have issued statements opposing the acceptance of Syrian refugees following the deadly weekend attacks in Paris.
At least one Swisher city councilor opposes the proclamation, but mayors in Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty spoke in favor of welcoming and assisting refugees.
Taylor says he doubts any Syrian refugees live in Swisher, but he hopes the proclamation encourages people to accept refugees without falling into patterns of fear and suspicion.
