To: 29 Republican Governors

Tell Republican governors: Stop attacking refugees

Threatening to refuse Syrian refugees entry into our state is playing to baseless racist fears for cheap political gain.

Stop attacking the refugee families who are fleeing the same terrorist groups behind the attacks in Paris, Beirut, and around the world.

Why is this important?

This week, at least 29 Republican governors have said they oppose letting Syrian immigrants into their state following the tragic attacks in Paris.

Unlike Europe, which has been overwhelmed by the crisis, the U.S. has a thorough vetting process for every refugee who is allowed to enter the United States. The typical process takes between 18 and 24 months.

Furthermore, under the U.S. Constitution, governors can’t deny any group of people entry to their state, nor can they determine our federal refugee policy, which is set by the president.

Statements attacking Syrian refugees make no one safer and create an environment where racist attacks are more prevalent.

We can be a strong, secure country and a welcoming, moral one at the same time.