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  • Obama Administration Warns States: Admit Syrian Refugees or Face ‘Enforcement Action’

    11.27.2015 | News | |

    The Obama administration is threatening states to comply with federal efforts to accommodate Syrian refugees in communities around the U.S. or face punitive action.

    “Accordingly, states may not categorically deny ORR-funded benefits and services to Syrian refugees,” Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Director Robert Carey wrote in the letter to states this week. “Any state with such a policy would not be in compliance with the State Plan requirements, applicable statutes, and their own assurances, and could be subject to enforcement action, including suspension and termination.”

    The letter also stated that refugees are eligible for welfare and other forms of government assistance upon admission to the US because of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination for federally funded assistance benefits.

    “Thus, it is not permissible to deny federally funded benefits such as Medicaid or [Temporary Assistance for Needy Families] to refugees who otherwise meet the eligibilities requirements,” the letter reads. “ORR is committed to ensuring that all refugees receive assistance and services vital to achieving their potential in the United States and becoming self-sufficient, integrated members of our communities.”

    Republicans immediately blasted the president for ignoring immigration law and demanding the states obey the wishes of the federal government.

    House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) slammed the Obama administration for its aggressive stance toward concerned states.

    “While the United States has the most generous refugee system in the world, the American people are rightly concerned about admitting Syrian refugees and the impact it would have on the safety of their families and neighbors,” Goodlatte said in a statement. “It’s hypocritical for Obama administration officials to threaten enforcement action against these states when they refuse to enforce the vast majority of our immigration laws, such as cracking down on sanctuary cities that openly defy federal law and endanger the American people.”


    Alicia Powe

    Staff Writer

    Alicia Powe is a staff writer for Daily Surge. She worked in the War Room of the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee and served as a White House Intern during the George W. Bush administration. Alicia has written for numerous outlets, including Human Events, Media Research Center and Townhall.com.

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