Governors’ Threats to Exclude Syrian Refugees Aren't Just Fear Mongering — They're Unconstitutional

In response to the horrific events in Paris on November 13, Governor Haslam and dozens of other governors have announced that they oppose — and in some cases will refuse — the resettlement of Syrian refugees to their states.

Many have commented on the misguided nature of this knee-jerk reaction: Refugees are more thoroughly vetted than any other group of people who come to the United States, undergoing rigorous security screenings prior to their arrival. These statements are also completely at odds with the fundamental American value of protecting those seeking safety from war and persecution, scapegoating refugees for the terror they are fleeing. But beyond the fear mongering and the rejection of core American values, these governors’ proposed policies can’t stand as a matter of the law: They are patently unconstitutional.

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Taking Action

ACLU-TN and the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition have sent a letter to the governor asking him to rescind his request to halt the resettlement of Syrian refugees in TN and commit to upholding our American values of freedom and fair treatment for all.

Resources

• ACLU Support of Syrian Refugee Resettlement
• ACLU National Executive Director Anthony Romero: "States of Fear," The Huffington Post
• Infographic: The Screening Process for Refugee Entry Into the United States (The White House)

In the News

• Nashville groups ask Haslam to reconsider refugee stance
• Haslam defends Syrian refugee pause: State is 'scared'
• Haslam, Cooper Respond to Casada's Statements on RoundingUp Syrian Refugees
• Governor Haslam’s initial statement requesting suspension of refugee resettlement
• Disappointed Lawmakers Hear Message of Inclusiveness at Hearings to Whip Up Refugee Hysteria

November 15, 2015