Objection Overruled: Syrian Refugees Resettled
The archdiocese of Indiana is resettling a Syrian refugee family in the state despite the governor's opposition.
Gov. Mike Pence had asked Indianapolis Archbishop Joseph Tobin to not resettle the family amid concerns about the screening of refugees.
"A month ago the FBI director said that there are significant gaps in our Syrian refugee program, our ability to know everything we need about them to ensure safety and security of our people," Pence said.
"I respectfully disagree with their decision to accept a Syrian refugee family in the state of Indiana at this time," he said.
Archbishop Tobin said he "prayerfully considered Pence's request but decided that helping the refugee couple with two small children was an essential part of the Catholic Church's identity."
Archdiocese spokesman Greg Otolski said Tuesday that the church was "confident" in its plan because the church's charity wing has 40 years of experience resettling refugees.
The archdiocese pointed out in a statement that the family in question fled Syria three years ago and underwent two years of security checks before being allowed to enter the United States.
Meanwhile, Pence said he hoped residents would welcome the new family to Indiana, despite his misgivings about the vetting process.
Pence also rebuked Donald Trump on Twitter Tuesday for his new calls to ban Muslims, calling the idea "offensive and unconstitutional."
Pence said his concern is not about the Syrian refugee family that arrived in Indiana or about Catholic Charities, but "about an administration and Congress that should take decisive action to pause this program."
