The resettlement of Syrian refugees has emerged as a campaign issue in the Vermont gubernatorial race, with Democratic candidates supporting Gov. Shumlin’s call for the state to welcome refugees from Syria and Republican candidates calling for a "time-out."
In an indication of the intensity of the issue, Lt. Gov. Phil Scott has issued a statement objecting to what he says are reports that he wants a halt to the resettlement of Syrian refugees in Vermont.
“It has been inaccurately suggested that I oppose the resettlement of refugees in Vermont,” the statement said. “These claims are based on one news story that reported only one part of my view on a complex issue. I want to set the record straight.”
The news story, published Tuesday by VPR, quoted Scott suggesting that Vermont should, at least temporarily, follow other governors who are trying to block Syrian refugees from their states.
“I think it’s incumbent upon us to do the same until such time as the federal government can prove it's meeting its national security obligations," Scott said in Tuesday’s report. "Making sure that there is a rigorous process to be sure that it’s just peace-loving Syrians and others that want to come into our states."
Below is audio and a transcript of the entire interview between Lt. Gov. Phil Scott and VPR reporter Peter Hirschfeld in which Scott suggests that Vermont should, at least temporarily, follow other governors who are trying to block Syrian refugees from their states.
Peter Hirschfeld: This issue of Syrian refugees has sort of exploded in the media and we thought it might be interesting to see where the candidates stand on it this. You know, the president has said he feels like it's really important that the United States open its arms and its doors to 10,000 Syrian refugees. There are a number of governors who have said "Not in our state." If you were governor, what would your inclination be as to whether or not Vermont should be willing to play host to some of these folks?
Phil Scott: Are you ready?
PH: I am ready.
PS: Certainly this has become a topical issue, particularly with the heart wrenching tragedies in Paris and other horrific acts of terrorism that we've seen across the globe and here in our nation. But I still feel the highest priority of any government is to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. And I think that in light of having two of our border states, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, asking for a pause in this refugee program, I think it's incumbent upon us to do the same until such time as the federal government can prove it's meeting its national security obligations, making sure that there is a rigorous process to be sure that it's just those peace-loving Syrians and others that want to come in to our state and and provide resources in order to do so. So as difficult as it is, I think that we should we should push the pause button.
PH: What makes you think that those refugees would have the capacity at least or the potential to pose a threat to the safety of Vermonters?
PS: I don't have any any knowledge of that at all, but in in light of so many other states asking for this and in particular those that are in this region, we have to be cognizant of the fact that we may be burdened further. So in light of that. I think that it's just. It could be short term. It could be something that we could meet with on a regional basis but. But in some way, we have to have assurances that we have the right safety protocols in line, and that we can have our state law enforcement brand that as well - that that they're completely in sync with that. I'm hoping to to set up a meeting with public safety or Homeland Security in the next few days so that I can better educate myself on on the process and do our due diligence in order to be sure that we have the safety of Vermonters in mind as we move forward.
