US states shun Syria refugees after Paris attacks

At least eight US states are seeking to block a program to resettle Syrian refugees within their borders, citing security fears in the wake of the Paris attacks.

The movement swelled Sunday and Monday, prompting President Barack Obama to push back by urging the United States to "step up and do its part" to help those fleeing war-torn Syria.

The discovery of a Syrian passport near the body of one Paris assailant, has revived Europe's debate on how hard a line to take on record migrant influx from Syria.

In the United States, Republican presidential hopefuls Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush said outright America must not take in Syrian refugees because they might include Islamic State militants.

And Republican state governors lined up to reject plans to resettle Syrians on US soil.

"Given the tragic attacks in Paris and the threats we have already seen, Texas cannot participate in any program that will result in Syrian refugees -- any one of whom could be connected to terrorism -- being resettled in Texas," Governor Greg Abbott of the large southern state wrote Monday in a letter to Obama.

Abbott urged the president to halt his plans to resettle thousands of Syrian refugees in the United States, arguing the government could not provide safety guarantees.

"As such, opening our door to them irresponsibly exposes our fellow Americans to unacceptable peril," he said.

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant issued a similarly blunt statement, saying "I will do everything humanly possible to stop any plans from the Obama administration to put Syrian refugees in Mississippi."

Obama's policy of welcoming such individuals "is not only misguided, it is extremely dangerous."

Alabama and Michigan announced their opposition to Syrian refugees on Sunday. In addition to Mississipi and Texas, they have been joined by Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana and Illinois. All eight states are led by Republican governors.

 Caption: Syrian refugees land on the shores of the Greek island of Lesbos in an inflatable dingy. (Times Of Israel)