Jeremy Rosen, executive director of the ACLU of Iowa, issued a statement Tuesday, objecting to Iowa's Gov. Terry Branstad making a statement and issuing a press release calling for state agencies to halt any efforts to resettle Syrian refugees.
"We are deeply disappointed by today’s decision by Governor Branstad that Iowa state agencies must stop any efforts to resettle Syrian refugees in our state," Rosen said. "This decision is both morally and legally wrong. These refugees are fleeing terrorism in their home country. Politicians should not falsely link the tragedy in Paris with the settlement of Syrian refugees in the United States. Iowans are welcoming people who understand our moral obligation to help people in need. The governor should allow the people of our state to continue showing that compassion."
Additionally, Rosen said that "the governor has no authority over refugee resettlement; only the President or other federal officials can make a decision of this nature. We call on Governor Branstad to reconsider this rash decision, and to stop engaging in fear-mongering."