President Obama criticized those who objected to his plan to admit thousands of Syrian refugees into the country Wednesday, tweeting that turning them away is “not who we are.”
Obama has said that he would allow at least 10,000 refugees in to the United States. But more than two dozen state governors announced in light of Friday’s terror attacks in Paris that they wouldn’t allow more refugees into their states.
Experts have said governors can’t legally turn away refugees. Still, a Syrian family was rerouted Wednesday to Connecticut after officials in Indiana, where they had planned to settle, objected.
Here’s what Obama tweeted from his official account:
Protecting the American people is my top priority. With our 65 global partners, we’re leading the campaign to degrade and destroy ISIL.
— President Obama (@POTUS) November 18, 2015
We also win this fight with our values. America can ensure our own security while welcoming refugees desperately seeking safety from ISIL.
— President Obama (@POTUS) November 18, 2015
We will provide refuge to at least 10,000 refugees fleeing violence in Syria over the next year after they pass the highest security checks.
— President Obama (@POTUS) November 18, 2015
Here, our focus is giving safe haven to the most vulnerable Syrians – women, children, and survivors of torture.
— President Obama (@POTUS) November 18, 2015
Welcoming the world’s vulnerable who seek the safety of America is not new to us. We’ve safely welcomed 3 million refugees since 1975.
— President Obama (@POTUS) November 18, 2015
Slamming the door in the face of refugees would betray our deepest values. That’s not who we are. And it’s not what we’re going to do.
— President Obama (@POTUS) November 18, 2015
