Massachusetts Won't Welcome Syrian Refugees

Syrian refugees won’t find refuge in Massachusetts after the terrorist attack on Paris, Gov. Charlie Baker announced.

Baker joined several governors from around the country in announcing the regugees will not be permitted in his state, at least for the time being, the Boston Globe reported.

“I would say no as of right now,” Baker said at the State House Monday. “No, I’m not interested in accepting refugees from Syria. My view on this is the safety and security of the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is my highest priority. So I would set the bar very high on this.”

Baker said he wants to learn more about the federal government’s plans for accepting refugees ”and how it’s going to be actually implemented and executed.”

Governors in several states, including Arkansas, Alabama, Michigan, and Texas, all declared their state’s refusal to accept relocated Syrian refugees on Monday, The Associated Press reported.

Boston Mayor Martin Walsh supported the governor’s stance, reiterating that he wants to learn more about the “vetting process” to ensure terrorists don’t sneak in along with refugees.

The federal government plans to take in up to 10,000 refugees over the next 12 months, about 2,000 of whom have already reached America’s shores. Hundreds of thousands have escaped the Middle East to Europe.

The attack on Paris has spurred concern among states and major cities across the world that more attack could be launched, prompting increased security, including in Massachusetts. State Police, while noting there have been no credible threats made against the commonwealth, will emphasize regular patrols near critical infrastructure sites around the state and continue enhanced high visibility patrols near the State House.

State Police also have a comprehensive and multi-layered security package in place at Logan Airport.

More than 4 million people have fled Syria in the past four years, and the number heading to the United States is expected to increase in coming months.