Gov. Ducey calls for 'immediate halt' to new refugees in Arizona

Gov. Doug Ducey has called for an "immediate halt" to the placement of any new refugees in Arizona.

In a statement, the governor says he is calling for the halt following "the horrifying events in Paris last week." The governor also says he is calling for the halt by invoking Arizona's right under the United States Refugee Act.

The entire governor's statement is below:

“Given the horrifying events in Paris last week, I am calling for an immediate halt in the placement of any new refugees in Arizona. As governor, I am invoking our state’s right under 8 USC, Section 1522 (a), to receive immediate consultation by federal authorities per the United States Refugee Act, and that the federal government take into account the concerns and recommendations of the state of Arizona as they are required to under federal law, in our efforts to keep our homeland safe. I also call on Congress and the President to immediately amend federal law to provide states greater oversight and authority in the administration of the placement of refugees. These acts serve as a reminder that the world remains at war with radical Islamic terrorists. Our national leaders must react with the urgency and leadership that every American expects to protect our citizens.”