Some state representatives want to block President Barrack Obama’s plan to resettle 425 Syrian refugees in Florida. Governor Rick Scott expressed this in a letter to Congress on Monday, after finding out at least one of the terrorists who attacked Paris last week was disguised as a Syrian refugee. But an advocacy group said there’s no reason Floridians should fear these refugees.
Republican Representative Dane Eagle of Cape Coral said his heart goes out to the displaced Syrians. But he said he stands with Governor Scott.
“The paramount concern at this time is the safety of our own. The safety of Floridians. The safety of the people I was elected to represent,” said Eagle.
He said he does not have faith in the federal government’s measures of ensuring safety. But Travis Trice said the country’s refugee resettlement process is solid. Trice works with World Relief Jacksonville, an international Christian humanitarian organization.
“We are praying for Governor Scott," said Trice. "And when we hear these disappointing remarks from governors... it undermines public perspective of our intelligence community.”
He said refugees have to pass many interviews and tests. And Trice said it can take a minimum of 18 months before refugees even begin talks with the state department.
As of now, at least 30 governors across the country object to housing Syrian refugees.
