Dayton rejects House GOP leader’s stance on Syrian refugees

Gov. Mark Dayton has rejected Republican Minnesota House Speaker Kurt Daudt's request that he try to block Syrian refugees from settling in the state and the U.S.

Daudt asked the DFL governor this week to urge President Obama to stop the refugees from entering the country until tighter security measures are in place.

Dayton's response Wednesday spelled out the Obama administration's assurances that the refugee screening process is already secure.

Dayton noted that only nine Syrian refugees have settled in Minnesota since 1979.

"We do not anticipate an influx of arrivals from Syria," Dayton wrote. "I share your belief that we must be vigilant in keeping Minnesotans safe, however, I believe we can do so while continuing to be a state and a nation that offers immigrants a better future full of hope and opportunity, not fear and prejudice."

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