Can governors legally block refugees?

Dozens of state governors across the U.S. have publicly stated their stances against allowing Syrian refugees to re-settle in America and their own states, but can a governor legally block refugees coming into the U.S.?

According to one political expert, the most direct answer is “no”. Robert Becker, a professor at Salisbury University, explain states do not have the power to reject immigrants granted refugee status by the U.S. This is because the process of immigration falls under federal law.

Becker says how well refugees re-settle lies heavily on private entities like non-profits and churches, which is what the U.S. experienced during the Vietnam War.

“We paid for it, we helped them get jobs, we helped them get settled in. We helped them be good citizens or good residents of America. That is not something the governor would really have any responsibility for.” Explains Becker.

Maryland governor Larry Hogan announced on November 17 that he is urging authorities to cease any additional settlements of refugees from Syria in Maryland until there is proof that they would pose no threat to public safety.