DOVER, Del. (AP) - Democratic Gov. Jack Markell is standing by his support for President Obama's decision to provide asylum for Syrian refugees in the United States, despite Republican calls not to accept refugees in Delaware.
The head of the Delaware Republican Party, along with state Sen. Colin Bonini, a GOP candidate for governor, urged Markell on Monday not to accept Syrian refugees in the wake of terrorist attacks in Paris.
Markell responded that former Republican President Ronald Reagan was committed to welcoming those seeking safety from fear and persecution.
According to state officials, the U.S. State Department says no Syrian refugees have arrived in Delaware, but Delaware health and social service officials are aware of three families who settled in another state before moving to Delaware, two in 2013 and another in 2014.
Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A spokesman for Virginia's governor says his public safety team is in communications with federal authorities about refugee resettlements, including relocations involving Syrians.
Brian Coy issued the statement Monday on behalf of Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe as several of his Republican counterparts have threatened to stop accepting Syrian refugees following last week's deadly attacks in Paris. Coy said the governor would have no additional comment.
In the statement, Coy said every refugee settled in the U.S. undergoes intensive security screening. He said McAuliffe has asked his public safety and homeland security secretary, Brian Moran, to ensure that every precaution is taken to ensure the safety of Virginians.
While some governors have threatened to block the entry of Syrian refugees, experts say they lack legal authority to do that.
