Hickenlooper Reaffirms Support For Accepting Syrian Refugees

· Nov. 19, 2015, 3:12 pm
Photo: Hickenlooper at podium 11.18.15 (Staff)(Vic Vela/CPR News)
Gov. John Hickenlooper speaks at the state Capitol on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2015.

his support of Syrians who may seek refuge in Colorado, in spite of growing concerns among Republicans. 

Since last week's terrorist attacks in France, Republicans have sounded alarms over the Obama administration's plan to accept thousands of Syrian refugees. That includes Colorado Republican legislative leaders, who are calling on the governor to stop accepting refugees until more safeguards are in place.

Hickenlooper tried to quell those concerns at a Capitol news conference.

“I think it's widely acknowledged that this is the most rigorous, detailed process for resettlement anywhere in the world right now," he said.

Hickenlooper said refugees go through high-levels of security screening and that the vast majority of refugees are children and the elderly. State officials say 19 Syrian refugees have come to Colorado since 1980, but none since the Syrian civil war started four years ago.

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