Topeka, KS, April 26, 2016 — Governor Sam Brownback announced today that the state of Kansas 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 Brownback’s decision to end Kansas’ involvement in resettling refugees is completely out of touch with local communities’ overwhelming support and embrace of refugees. This is especially disappointing and contradictory given his support of the program during his tenure in the Senate.
“The Governor’s claim that Kansans’ security is at risk is absolutely false. Refugees are subject to a range of rigorous and thorough security checks, including the use of Biometrics, in-person interviews, 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.
“The United States has a longstanding history of protecting the world’s most vulnerable. As Governor Brownback turns his back on this American legacy, the IRC will step up and ensure that refugee families continue to receive the protection and services they are entitled to.”