LANSING, Mich. – The experts Local 4 spoke with Sunday both said there is a moral obligation to help refugees fleeing Syria, but they have very different views on Gov. Snyder's decision to halt immigration to Michigan.
Depending on who you talk to, Snyder either made the right choice or a costly mistake. The governor sent out an email statement, saying:
Given the terrible situation in Paris, I've directed that we put on hold our efforts to accept new refugees until the U.S. Department of Homeland Security completes a full review of security clearances and procedures.
The Lutheran Social Services of Michigan said refugees can spend up to a decade in settlement camps before being eligible to relocate.
The humanitarian group said refugees undergo years of rigorous background checks and interviews.
It's estimated that 4.5 million Syrians have been displaced since the conflict began.