Erin McElhone 3rd Period: Refusing Refugees

     Many state governors, due to the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, are saying that they oppose the allowing of refugees from Syria to settle within their states. Twenty-four governors have openly expressed their opposition to the refugees, including twenty-three Republicans and one Democrat, Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire. Some of the other Governors opposing the refugees are Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Illinois, surprisingly Michigan. Michigan has a large Ahab-American population, and it is surprising to see this state, that originally welcomed immigrants to begin to change their tone. Gov. Rick Snyder ( of Michigan) says, "Michigan is a welcoming state and we are proud of our rich history of immigration. But our first priority is protecting the safety of our residents." What is even more ironic is that these states have no say in keeping refugees out, The immigration policy falls into the hands of the Federal Government alone; once the refugees are allowed into the country states can not legally prevent them from entering their territory.

     All of this talk about not letting innocent refugees makes me upset, but I can see that these governors are just concerned with the overall safety of the country. I know that they are making these statements because of the recent terrorist threats towards The United States. I think that if thing are get much worse the government might consider creating interment camps for the Syrians, like we did for the Japanese Americans after the Pearl Harbor attack, and make them all live together under close watch.

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