Gov. Sam Brownback says Kansas is withdrawing from the federal government's refugee resettlement program because of safety concerns.
Brownback announced Tuesday that he notified President Barack Obama's administration of his decision.
“We made a reasonable request of the Obama Administration to provide us with information we need to help protect the safety and security of Kansans,” said Brownback in a release. “Because the federal government has failed to provide adequate assurances regarding refugees it is settling in Kansas, we have no option but to end our cooperation with and participation in the federal refugee resettlement program.”
Brownback's move means Kansas will reject federal funds to provide cash and health care coverage to any refugees who resettle in Kansas. The federal aid amounts to between $1.6 million and $1.8 million annually.
“As Governor, my priority has been and will continue to be the safety and security of Kansans,” said Brownback. “Kansas remains a state that has always been welcoming to refugees, but we must take prudent and responsible actions to protect our communities.”
But Executive Director Micah Kubic of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas says the move is largely symbolic because federal officials probably will find another group to run the program in Kansas. He said the state also can't prevent refugees from coming.
Brownback said Tuesday that federal officials haven't given him adequate assurances that refugees are being screened thoroughly enough to protect communities.
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