April 21, 2016 — Governor Chris Christie has announced that New Jersey state government will no longer partner with the federal government to resettle refugees.
In response to the Governor’s announcement, Jennifer Sime, Senior Vice President of U.S. Programs for the International Rescue Committee, released the following statement:
“Governor Chris Christie’s decision to stop the state’s involvement in resettling refugees is in complete contradiction to New Jersey communities’ overwhelming support and welcoming of refugees. Refugees have been resettled in the state for many years and have been a vital part of its growth and diversity.
“The Governor’s claim that security processes remain inadequate is patently false. Refugees are subject to a range of rigorous and thorough security checks, including the use of Biometrics and name checks against a robust set of databases. The vetting system has been methodically structured to both safeguard the security of the U.S. and provide protection to those who need it most, and to whom we have a moral obligation to protect.
“As Governor Christie turns his back on the world's most vulnerable, the IRC will step up and ensure that refugees receive the services they are entitled to.”