Judge Blocks Indiana Governor Mike Pence's Order To Ban Syrian Refugees
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge in Indianapolis has blocked Republican Gov. Mike Pence's order barring state agencies from helping Syrian refugees resettle in Indiana.
Monday's ruling by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt comes in response to a request for a preliminary injunction from the group Exodus Refugee Immigration, which helps resettle refugees.
Pratt wrote in her 36-page opinion that the governor's directive "clearly discriminates against Syrian refugees based on their national origin."
More than two dozen states, most with Republican governors, have taken similar action to suspend Syrian resettlement programs.
Pence had cited concerns following the deadly Paris terrorist attacks when issuing the order in November.
He's noted a passport found near one of the suicide bombers had been registered along the route asylum seekers from Syria are taking through Europe.
Following the ruling, Pence instructed the Office the Indiana Attorney General to seek an immediate stay and appeal.
"As governor I have no higher priority than the safety and security of the people of Indiana," he said in a statement. "During these uncertain times, we must always err on the side of caution. For that reason, following the terrorist attack in Paris and the acknowledgment by the Director of the FBI that there are gaps in the screening for Syrian refugees, I suspended participation by the State of Indiana in the Syrian refugee resettlement program and I stand by that decision.
"So long as the Obama administration continues to refuse to address gaps in the screening of Syrian refugees acknowledged by the FBI and a bipartisan majority in Congress, Hoosiers can be assured that my administration will continue to use every legal means available to suspend this program in Indiana unless and until federal officials take steps to ensure the safety and security of our citizens."
