In a letter to President Barack Obama, Gov. Greg Abbott says Texas will not accept any refugees from Syria in the wake of the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris.
Gov. Abbott goes on to urge President Obama to halt plans to accept more Syrian refugees in the United States saying the federal government does not have the background information necessary to effectively conduct proper security checks on Syrian nationals.
"Given the tragic attacks in Paris and the threats we have already seen, Texas cannot participate in any program that will result in Syrian refugees - any one of whom could be connected to terrorism - being resettled in Texas," Governor Abbott said in the letter. "Effective today, I am directing the Texas Health & Human Services Commission's Refugee Resettlement Program to not participate in the resettlement of any Syrian refugees in the State of Texas. And I urge you, as President, to halt your plans to allow Syrians to be resettled anywhere in the United States."
"Neither you nor any federal official can guarantee that Syrian refugees will not be part of any terroristic activity," Governor Abbott continued. "As such, opening our door to them irresponsibly exposes our fellow Americans to unacceptable peril."
To read the full letter you can go here.
Governors in Alabama and Michigan have also announce they would not accept Syrian refugees in their respective states.