Chatfield Introduces Resolution Opposing Syrian Refugees In Michigan

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com)

State Rep. Lee Chatfield has introduced a resolution calling upon Michigan's legislature to formally oppose refugees from Syria, as well as other high-risk areas, until certain steps have been taken to make sure Michiganders are safe.

"...(W)e will not approve or proceed with resettlement of Syrian and other unvettable refugees from failed states via the United States Refugee Resettlement Program and reject the expenditure of related state funds to assist the United States Refugee Resettlement Program in Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That we petition Governor Rick Snyder to not resume authorization for the resettlement of Syrian and other unvettable refugees from failed states in Michigan..." until a series of benchmarks are met, Chatfield's resolution says.

Here is the full resolution:

House Resolution No. 198.

            "A resolution to declare opposition to the relocation of Syrian and other unvettable refugees from failed states via the United States Refugee Resettlement Program into Michigan and the rejection of state funds to assist in the program.

           
Whereas, The federal government has indicated that thousands of refugees from the Middle East will be relocated to the United States in the next few years through the federal Refugee Resettlement Program. It is anticipated that each state will receive these refugees through designated relocation agencies approved by the federal government; and

Whereas, The United States Constitution nowhere gives the Executive Branch the power to settle aliens in a state contrary to the express wishes of that state. Absent such an expressed power, according to the Tenth Amendment, such a power cannot exist; and

Whereas, The refugee resettlement process will present serious financial and security problems for Michigan. Refugees and their families present unfunded burdens to schools, law enforcement, housing, and health care; and

Whereas, Michael Steinbach, Assistant Director for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), informed the U. S. House Homeland Security Committee in February, 2015, that Syrian refugees pose a great risk to Americans and raised the possibility that refugees could have connections to foreign terrorist groups. The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) has vowed to infiltrate refugees all over the world so as to enter countries under the guise of persecuted refugees. At a congressional hearing held October 22, 2015, FBI Director James Comey issued another warning about the FBI's inability to screen Syrian refugees entering the United States; and

Whereas, Under these circumstances there is a compelling governmental interest in protecting the security and economy of our state and nation. Article I, Section 1 of the Michigan Constitution declares that our state government is for the benefit, security and protection of Michigan’s citizens and those interests should be primary; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, that we hereby express our concern over the United States Refugee Resettlement Program and any possible state expenditures for the program in Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That we will not approve or proceed with resettlement of Syrian and other unvettable refugees from failed states via the United States Refugee Resettlement Program and reject the expenditure of related state funds to assist the United States Refugee Resettlement Program in Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That we petition Governor Rick Snyder to not resume authorization for the resettlement of Syrian and other unvettable refugees from failed states in Michigan until:

·        The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) shows evidence and certifies that the proposed refugee resettlement will not have any negative impact on the current provision of services to Michigan residents and will not cause an increase in the MDHSS budget.

·        The State Board of Education is able to show evidence and certify to the Governor that the refugee resettlement will not have an adverse impact on local school districts and that local school districts will not need additional resources.

·        The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) certifies to the Michigan State Police that each refugee entering Michigan has been subject to a thorough background check similar to the federal form E86 used to screen applicants for employment with DHS and that none of the refugees pose any national security threat.

; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation."

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com

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