Pence Administration to Seek Immediate Stay on Syrian Refugee Decision by Federal Court

Indianapolis – Indiana Governor Mike Pence issued the following statement today after the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana ruled in Exodus International vs. Pence.  The Governor has instructed the Office the Indiana Attorney General to seek an immediate stay and appeal of this order.

“As governor I have no higher priority than the safety and security of the people of Indiana. During these uncertain times, we must always err on the side of caution. For that reason, following the terrorist attack in Paris and the acknowledgment by the Director of the FBI that there are gaps in the screening for Syrian refugees, I suspended participation by the State of Indiana in the Syrian refugee resettlement program and I stand by that decision.

“So long as the Obama administration continues to refuse to address gaps in the screening of Syrian refugees acknowledged by the FBI and a bipartisan majority in Congress, Hoosiers can be assured that my administration will continue to use every legal means available to suspend this program in Indiana unless and until federal officials take steps to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.”