DENVER – Gov. John Hickenlooper on Wednesday clarified that he supports allowing entry into the United States for Syrian refugees, but he stopped short of endorsing the federal government’s vetting process.
The governor addressed reporters at the state Capitol following a statement Monday in which he said: “We can protect our security and provide a place where the world’s most vulnerable can rebuild their lives.”
The governor’s remarks drew ire from Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton of Cortez, who has called for closing the nation’s borders to Syrian refugees following Friday’s Paris terrorist attacks. The Islamic State group took credit for hits on bars, restaurants, a concert hall and a stadium, in which at least 129 people died.
At least one of the suspects in the attacks entered Europe as a Syrian refugee, according to authorities. The suspect falsely identified himself as Syrian and entered through Greece.
“I wouldn’t condemn anybody for having concerns over the safety and security of their community, or their family, and I think all of us take that very seriously,” Hickenlooper said.
But he added: “Part of our battle against these terrorists is that we have to show a better way, a better world, and for the people in their home countries that are battling against the forces that are funding and creating this terrorism, we have to show them that there is a better way to live; a future out there that they can be a part of.”
The Obama administration announced in September that 10,000 Syrians would be allowed entry next year. The administration argues, however, that the vetting process lasts years.
Tipton and other Republicans are so far unimpressed by the president’s assurances. The congressman is pushing for alternatives, including creating safe-zones within Syria. Tipton has called on the president to suspend the Syrian refugee program.
The congressman is co-sponsoring legislation to prohibit the use of federal funds to admit refugees from Syria. Another measure with his support would require federal authorities to certify to Congress that a refugee does not pose a security threat before being granted entry. Votes are expected this week.
“Until the government has the capability to sufficiently vet and verify the identities of the refugees, admitting tens of thousands of them without that safeguard would provide ample opportunity for an ISIS terrorist to hide amongst them posing as an asylum seeker,” Tipton said. “I can’t in good conscience sit idly by and allow that to happen.”
Hickenlooper agreed – to an extent – that there are some security and vetting questions that still need to be addressed. He argued that there is always more to learn to make the process better.
“Whether this program is sufficient for the large numbers of people who have left in the more recent period of time, I don’t know that,” the governor said.
But after speaking with the White House on Tuesday, Hickenlooper said he is confident that there is no immediate security risk to Colorado if the state were to accept Syrian refugees. He also pointed out that he would not have the legal authority to prohibit the refugees from entering Colorado.
pmarcus@durangoherald.com
