Robert Bentley
MONTGOMERY— In yet another letter to White House Administration officials, Governor Robert Bentley on Wednesday reiterated his ongoing concerns and increased frustration with the Obama Administration over the refugee vetting process and the lack of information and involvement among states.
“I continue to have great concerns with the refugee vetting process, particularly the lack of state involvement, oversight or knowledge,” Governor Bentley said. “I cannot help but believe the intent appears to be an effort to circumvent states and our ability to adequately protect our people and ensure the safety of our citizens.”
On November 15, 2015, Governor Bentley announced his refusal to receive refugees from Syria through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program citing increasing concerns with the federal government’s vetting process and his deep concern for ensuring the safety and security of Alabamians. Approximately 29 other Governors have followed in expressing similar concerns to the White House.
According to federal officials, Alabama is entitled to receive quarterly reports on any refugees from Catholic Social Services (CSS), a volunteer organization unaffiliated with any state agency. CSS, located in Mobile, is the only designated non-governmental organization in Alabama responsible for the processing of refugees in the resettlement program. Alabama has not received any of the required reports from CSS. In a letter last week to Obama Administration officials, Governor Bentley requested that the State Department order CSS to deliver the refugee reports to the Governor’s Office.
On Monday, White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough responded to Governor Bentley’s concerns by offering to allow the National Governors Association (NGA) to act as a filter between Governors and the federal government in an attempt to address the issues raised by Governors.
“I cannot accept that proposal as a workable solution, “Governor Bentley wrote in his response to McDonough today. “There should be no filter between the federal government and state governments, and especially between the President and Governors regarding an issue of such high importance as national security. As I expressed in my letter last week, Alabama has not received any refugee reports regarding any refugee of any national origin. I do not believe placing a filter such as NGA between the Administration and the Governor’s Office addresses this current problem, nor does it solve future concerns regarding the vetting process.”
A link to Governor Bentley’s letter sent today can be found here.
MEDIA RELEASE/OFFICE OF ALABAMA GOVERNOR ROBERT BENTLEY
