Governor Robert Bentley
MONTGOMERY—Governor Robert Bentley on Monday signed an executive order directing all executive branch agencies to utilize all lawful means necessary to prevent the resettlement of Syrian refugees in the State of Alabama.
“It is clear that the United States is not prepared to handle the resettlement of Syrian refugees, and one mistake by the Federal Government in allowing a refugee with a terrorist connection poses a major safety threat to our people,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “As Governor, the threat associated with allowing Syrian refugees to enter Alabama is too high, and I will not endanger the lives of Alabamians by allowing Syrian refugees to come into our beloved state. The executive order signed today orders all state agencies to prevent the resettlement of Syrian refugees in our state.”
On Sunday, Governor Bentley announced his opposition to resettlement of Syrian refugees in Alabama. Since the Governor’s announcement, twenty four other governors have joined Bentley in refusing Syrian refugees. In addition, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), head of the House Homeland Security Committee today said the Obama administration plan to resettle Syrian refugees in the U.S. is a “serious mistake” and should be stopped until safeguards are in place.
A copy of Executive Order 14 can be found here.
