POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Legislators from Southeast Missouri are firing back at the possibility of Syrian refugees entering the Show Me State following a statement by Gov. Jay Nixon that placed the issue solely on the federal government.
Nixon's statement issued Monday, according to several house members, essentially took a hands-off approach to the issue. Nixon issued the statement following a move by a bipartisan group of 30 governors attempting to block resettlement.
Missouri House Speaker Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff sent Nixon a petition Tuesday signed by several lawmakers asking him to clarify where he stands on the issue.
"Serious concerns have been raised about our immigration system and the capability of the federal government to adequately screen these individuals," Richardson stated in the letter. "The people of Missouri deserve to know with perfect clarity where you stand on this important issue."
Richardson on Wednesday said he would like to see Nixon take action opposing Syrian resettlement similar to the actions of governors in other states.
"I think the letter we sent to Gov. Nixon outlined some of the concerns we have," Richardson said. "I think the concerns have been raised in numerous other states. We have 30 governors who have called for a pause or a stop to resettlement in their states and that is because of serious security concerns that have been raised."
Congressman Jason Smith, along with five other members of the Missouri Congressional delegation, also sent a letter to Gov. Nixon urging him to halt plans to bring Syrian refugees to Missouri.
"It's clear with the recent tragic events that refugee screening has been insufficient," said Congressman Smith. "We need to take a step back and do what is necessary to keep America and Missouri safe."
The Smith letter highlights a report stating, "at least one of the terrorists had a Syrian passport and entered Europe with the waves of migrants fleeing the Syria Civil War, we believe that the president's plan to increase the number of Syrian refugees admitted to the United States poses a genuine threat to the American people."
Smith has also sponsored H.R. 3999, the American SAFE Act to require the Department of Homeland Security to verify that refugees prove that they are not a threat to national security before they can settle in the U.S and sent a letter to President Barack Obama opposing resettlement.
Missouri Sen. Doug Libla, R-Poplar Bluff, says due to a lack of confidence in the screening process, he too is "completely opposed" to any Syrian resettlement in Missouri.
"I have no confidence in that they can properly vet out and make sure who these people actually are. I am very concerned about that. I think the Unites States of America needs to be concerned with the safety of our citizens first," Libla said.
Libla proposes the creation of a "safe zone" in the Middle East where the refugees can be relocated.
"My plan would be, and I don't understand why they don't go ahead and do it, is to get together with NATO or some other countries and actually make a safe-zone in the Middle East somewhere. Make sure we provide protection and let the refugees have a place to come to without having to displace them from their own culture," Libla said.
Libla says the refugees would be able to travel back to their homeland much more easily upon elimination of the terrorist threat.
Rep. Steve Cookson, R-Poplar Bluff, is also opposed to resettlement in Missouri, stressing the residents of the Show Me State should come first.
"I think we need to protect our own citizens first. I am not in favor of allowing any refugees into our state under these circumstances," he said.
However, Cookson adds that he does not believe the governor or the legislature has the power to stop a federal immigration action.
"Hopefully we can send out a strong message to the president," he said. "Whether the president cares about how the governor, the legislature or the citizens of Missouri feel, I guess you would have to ask him."