Gov. Walker issues letter to John Kerry indicating WI won't cooperate with Syrian refugee resettlement

MADISON -- Governor Scott Walker has sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell expressing deep concerns regarding the federal refugee resettlement program’s security procedures for Syrian refugees -- and notifying them that Wisconsin will not participate in efforts to resettle Syrian refugees in Wisconsin.

Dear Secretary Kerry and Secretary Burwell: 

As Chief Executive of the State of Wisconsin, I take seriously my obligation to ensure the safety and protection of the citizens of this state. It has become apparent there are not proper security procedures in place to appropriately background and accurately ascertain the identities of those entering our country through the Syrian refugee program. This deficiency in the program poses a threat to the safety and security of our people. At this time, I cannot authorize the cooperation of our state in any efforts to resettle Syrian refugees in Wisconsin. 

I have issued a directive to Secretary Eloise Anderson of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families to not participate in the resettlement of Syrian refugees in Wisconsin. Our state will not facilitate the coordination or provision of benefits or services for individuals whose presence could pose a potential risk to our people. We will make all efforts to ensure that Syrian refugees are not resettled within the boundaries of our state. 

Please respect our desire to do all we can to protect Wisconsin residents by honoring this request in recognition of the real threat facing our state and our nation.