Governor Bentley Issues Statement on President Trump Executive Orders on Immigration

MONTGOMERY – Governor Bentley on Friday issued a statement in support of President Trump’s executive orders on immigration. The full statement is below.

“November 2015, the State of Alabama took action against the admittance of refugees from terrorist nations, particularly Syria. Upon deeper analysis, as Governor, I later discovered the Obama Administration’s lack of adherence to the Refugee Resettlement Act to be extremely troubling and potentially dangerous. In Alabama we learned of glaring flaws and safety and security concerns in the refugee vetting process, and a blatant effort by the Federal government to circumvent states in the vetting and the admission process. In the Refugee Act, Congress specifically requires the federal government to consult with states regarding the placement of refugees before placement can be made within the state’s borders. That consultation with Alabama has not occurred.

“The Federal government must comply with its statutory obligations to consult with states before placing refugees within its borders. This issue is about correcting a deeply flawed process. Certainly those who are persecuted, especially Christians, in extreme terrorist nations must be able to seek a place of safe refuge, through proper channels. However we cannot ignore the process set in place already, and we simply cannot risk placing American’s or Alabamian’s lives in danger. President Trump is right to stop this very flawed process until extreme vetting can take place.

“President Trump’s action today is exactly why Republican states and their Governors are enthusiastic about the Trump Administration. Finally, states are being heard, concerns are being met and action is being taken.”