American Governors Turn their Backs on Syrian Refugees after Paris Attacks

The horrible attacks that have left at least 129 dead in Paris are indirectly affecting the future of Syrian refugees. In wake of the attacks, which terrorist group, ISIS, has claimed responsibility for, several American governors have strongly opposed welcoming any more refugees into their states and are encouraging the country to follow suit.

Texas governor, Greg Abbott, tweeted Monday that his state will not "accept any Syrian refugees." He added, "I demand the U.S. act similarly. Security comes first."

According to the authorities, one of the terrorists involved with the Paris attacks was allowed to enter Greece last month after he claimed to be a Syrian refugee named Ahmad al Muhammad.

Governors Robert Bentley and Rick Snyder from Alabama and Michigan, respectively, have also vocalized their opinions regarding refugees.

Bentley said on Sunday, "After full consideration of this weekend's attacks of terror on innocent citizens in Paris, I will oppose any attempt to relocate Syrian refugees to Alabama through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. As your Governor, I will not stand complicit to a policy that places the citizens of Alabama in harm's way."

His statement continued, "The acts of terror committed over the weekend are a tragic reminder to the world that evil exists and takes the form of terrorists who seek to destroy the basic freedoms we will always fight to preserve. I will not place Alabamians at even the slightest, possible risk of an attack on our people. Please continue to join me in praying for those who have suffered loss and for those who will never allow freedom to fade at the hands of terrorists."

Synder echoed similar concerns about accepting refugees. His statement, however, pushed for tighter security procedures. For now, Michigan will "put on hold our efforts to accept new refugees."

Synder's statement read: "Michigan is a welcoming state and we are proud of our rich history of immigration. But our first priority is protecting the safety of our residents... It's also important to remember that these attacks are the efforts of extremists and do not reflect the peaceful ways of people of Middle Eastern descent here and around the world."

Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana expressed his frustration with the Obama administration. According to the governor, he and his state were not informed about the refugees who were being relocated to Louisiana.

On Saturday, Jindal said, "It is irresponsible and severely disconcerting to place individuals, who may have ties to ISIS, in a state without the state's knowledge or involvement... It would be prudent to pause the process of refugees coming to the United States. Authorities need to investigate what happened in Europe before this problem comes to the United States."

About 1,500 Syrian refugees have relocated to the United States since 2011. The administration announced back in September that 10,000 refugees would be welcomed next year.

President Barack Obama addressed the refugees situation on Monday, stating that the U.S. will not be closing their doors.

"Slamming the door in their faces would be a betrayal of our values," he said. "Our nations can welcome refugees who are desperately seeking safety and ensure our own security. We can and must do both."

Since the Paris attacks, a growing social media campaign, "Not In My Name" (#NotInMyName), reminds everyone that Islam is a religion of love and peace, and that terrorists do not represent Islam.

Leaders from other countries, such as Canada and Australia, have stated that they will not turn away refugees. They did state that after the Paris attacks, the process and situation of relocation will be more difficult.