Michigan Governor Puts Refugee Acceptance Efforts on Hold

ABC ^ | 11/15/15 | Jeff Karoub

[Enlightened1]

Michigan's Republican governor, who has bucked many party leaders by welcoming Syrian refugees, is putting the efforts on hold following the deadly attacks in Paris.

Gov. Rick Snyder said in a statement Sunday that the state is postponing efforts to accept refugees until federal officials fully review security clearances and procedures. He added that Michigan is "proud of our rich history of immigration" but that Michigan's "first priority is protecting the safety of our residents."

"There will be difficult days ahead for the people of France and they remain in our thoughts and prayers," he said. "It's also important to remember that these attacks are the efforts of extremists and do not reflect the peaceful ways of people of Middle Eastern descent here and around the world."

Snyder spokesman Dave Murray said the governor wasn't available for further comment.

Officials say Friday's gun and bomb attacks killed more than 120 people. One of the attackers had a Syrian passport, but it wasn't clear whether the passport was fake or real.