ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan says he is asking federal authorities to stop any additional settlements of Syrian refugees in Maryland.
The Republican governor announced in a statement Tuesday that he is asking the U.S. government not to allow more Syrian refugees in the state until it can provide assurances they pose no threat to public safety.
Hogan writes that he made the request after careful consideration, following the terrorist attacks on Paris on Friday. He says the safety of Maryland residents remains his first priority.
A number of Republican governors have announced plans to try to keep out Syrian refugees, but their authority to do so may be limited.
The U.S. State Department's Refugee Processing Center says Maryland has had 31 Syrian refugees come to the state since Jan. 1.
