As the war in Syria drags on, the number of people trying to escape the conflict continues to climb. Some 600,000 refugees have fled to European countries. Canada has opened its doors to 25,000 refugees, and the Obama Administration has agreed to take in 10,000 Syrians. But the governors of 27 states have said they will try to block the refugees because of security concerns.
Utah Governor Gary Herbert has said he won’t join the list of those who would reject Syrian refugees, at least for the time being.
So far there are just a dozen Syrians in Utah- a number that could grow to a few hundred next year.
While it is unlikely the refugees would be resettled in Carbon County, the possibility exists.
The Sun Advocate contacted four mayors to get their opinion on the issue, and here’s what they had to say:
Price Mayor Joe Piccolo
“The nationality makes no difference to me, whether they are Greeks, Italians, Syrians, whatever. All productive citizens are welcome. It doesn’t say on the Statue of Liberty: No Syrians.”
Wellington Mayor Joan Powell
“I’d rather they didn’t come here. We should focus on taking care of our own first. It doesn’t matter which country they come from, I have a problem with those who take advantage of the generosity of the United States.”
Helper Mayor Ed Chavez
“I am totally against it. With what’s going on in the world today, you never know who might slip in.”
East Carbon Mayor Doug Parsons
“I was in Iraq for a year so I’m not really too hip on it. I’m not trusting of Arabs, and don’t know their intentions. I know we have a mixed heritage here, but I’m not too keen on Syrian immigrants.”
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