OP ED

Governor: Why I asked to stop refugees in Arizona

The Republic | azcentral.com
Gov. Doug Ducey.

Why did you call on the feds for an immediate halt on resettlement of refugees in Arizona?

Arizonans watched the terror attacks in Paris with heartbreak and sadness — a reminder to us all that we are at war with Islamic extremist terrorists. As governor, it is my highest priority to protect Arizona citizens.

The president has pledged to place thousands of Syrian refugees in the United States despite news reports indicating that ISIS has used the refugee crisis to place terrorists in the middle of civilized countries, and despite continued concern from within his own administration over deficiencies in available intelligence to vet refugees fleeing Syria. There are too many unknowns, and not enough reliability in the vetting process.

Why did you call for an end to resettlement not only of Syrian refugees, but all refugees?

I took an oath of office to protect Arizona from all enemies, foreign and domestic. The threat from radical Islamic jihadists is real and needs to be taken seriously. I believe we need to ensure there are no refugees placed in Arizona with connections to terrorist organizations.

Where do Arizona refugees come from?

Refugee advocates say the U.S. conducts rigorous background checks. Why doesn’t that reassure you?

The vetting process is only as strong as the intelligence used to support it. There are deficiencies in the intelligence needed to conduct thorough background checks, specifically as they relate to Syrian refugees. Who among us has confidence in the federal government’s ability to just get it right, no questions asked? I do not.

Aren’t there easier ways for terrorists to get into the United States than the refugee program?

There is no single solution to combating terrorism. This is just one component in the fight to keep our citizens safe. We learned on Thursday that six individuals from the Middle East were apprehended entering Arizona illegally near Sonoita. Thankfully, they were caught and turned over to federal authorities. We must be vigilant on all fronts.

8 Syrian refugees turn themselves in at U.S.-Mexico border

Many of these refugees are fleeing ISIS. Do you worry that innocent people would be penalized if denied resettlement?

Arizona has a history of welcoming those refugees who seek asylum, and our heart goes out to them. However, as governor, my job is to place the safety of our citizens first. Until we are assured that the vetting process is thorough, we cannot risk placing additional refugees in our state.

As you’ve explored this issue have you learned anything important about the resettlement program?

Yes — states are taken for granted and we’re expected to simply endure whatever the federal government sends our way. I believe states need greater oversight and authority in the administration of the resettlement program. The Refugee Act of 1980, provided that the federal government must take state recommendations into account “to the maximum extent possible.” I urge Congress to pass legislation strengthening state oversight, and I call on the federal government to consult our state in this process as currently required by law.

Kyrsten Sinema's surprising vote on Syrian refugees

What is it your critics are getting wrong about your position on refugees?

If ever there were a time to put politics aside, it’s right now. The positive response to our office has been overwhelming, and I believe the need to secure our homeland is an issue where rational people — Republicans, Democrats and independents — agree.

It’s unfortunate that a few loud voices are politicizing this issue.

The knee-jerk reaction of critics has been to allege racism and hate mongering. I find those allegations morally offensive, and I reject them. Legislation to address this issue passed this week in Congress with a veto-proof majority, including the votes of 47 Democrats. More than 30 governors from both parties have essentially echoed the position I’ve taken. We’re doing our jobs as best we see fit, and to imply otherwise is simply wrong.