Virginia cites security efforts on refugee resettlements

(AP) – A spokesman for Virginia’s governor says his public safety team is in communications with federal authorities about refugee resettlements, including relocations involving Syrians.

Brian Coy issued the statement Monday on behalf of Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe as several of his Republican counterparts have threatened to stop accepting Syrian refugees following last week’s deadly attacks in Paris. Coy said the governor would have no additional comment.
    
In the statement, Coy said every refugee settled in the U.S. undergoes intensive security screening. He said McAuliffe has asked his public safety and homeland security secretary, Brian Moran, to ensure that every precaution is taken to ensure the safety of Virginians.
    
While some governors have threatened to block the entry of Syrian refugees, experts say they lack legal authority to do that.