Wyoming Governor Says No To Refugee Process In Wyoming-But Cannot Refuse

Wyoming Governor Matt Mead stated earlier today that Wyoming will not accept a system that allows terrorists to slip through the cracks.

“No state should have to endure the threat of terrorists entering our borders, The President needs to make certain an absolutely thorough vetting system is in place that will not allow terrorists from Syria or any other part of the world into our country. In light of the horrific terrorist attacks in Paris, I have joined other governors in demanding the refugee process be halted until it is guaranteed to provide the security demanded by Wyoming and United States citizens. I have written the President to make it known Wyoming will not accept a lackluster system that allows terrorists to slip through the cracks.”

In a letter to President Obama presented earlier, the Governor said,

"Both the immigration program and the refugee program require the certainty that terrorists from Syria or any part of the world will not be allowed into our country.

Governor Mead and a number of other governors will join President Obama on a conference call later today.

But, Governor Mead and the other governor's powers are limited in this situation.

The Refugee Act of 1980 gives the president the power to admit refugees who face persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.

A 2012 decision, Arizona v. United States, reaffirmed the federal government's authority over the states on immigration matters and specifically stated that it might be "inappropriate" to return an immigrant to a country mired in civil war.