AZ Governor Doug Ducey Calls for Halt in Accepting New Refugees

(Phoenix, Ariz.)  —  Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has called for an immediate halt in the placement of any new refugees in the state.

Ducey took to his official website Monday to make the announcement, following Friday’s terrorist attacks in Paris.

“As governor, I am invoking our state’s right under 8 USC, Section 1522 (a), to receive immediate consultation by federal authorities per the United States Refugee Act, and that the federal government take into account the concerns and recommendations of the state of Arizona as they are required to under federal law, in our efforts to keep our homeland safe. I also call on Congress and the President to immediately amend federal law to provide states greater oversight and authority in the administration of the placement of refugees. These acts serve as a reminder that the world remains at war with radical Islamic terrorists. Our national leaders must react with the urgency and leadership that every American expects to protect our citizens.”

As of Monday, 13 other states have also joined in the decision, closing the doors to new refugees into their state. These states include Illinois, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Indiana, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Michigan, Alabama, Texas and Arkansas. Governors in these states — mostly Republican — have said they’ve taken the step out of fear that violent extremists could be posing as refugees.