Beshear and Bevin at odds over refugee issue

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Democratic Governor Steve Beshear and Republican Governor-elect Matt Bevin disagree over whether Syrian refugees should be allowed in Kentucky in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris, France. On Monday, Bevin joined other governors of several states in opposing the resettlement of Syrian refugees in their respective states in light of Friday’s attacks in France.

“I am joining with other governors across the country in opposing the resettlement of Syrian nationals until we can better determine the full extent of any risks to our citizens,” Bevin said in a prepared statement.

Outgoing, two-term Governor Steve Beshear says Kentucky should welcome all refugees who have passed extensive background checks. “If folks are truly refugees, and not terrorists, and truly are looking for save haven, then Kentucky ought to step-up with everybody else and do the Christian thing, and be your brother’s keeper,” said Beshear.

But it appears Kentucky’s governor doesn’t have much authority in resettling international refugees. Kentucky Office of Refugees director Becky Jordan says Kentucky privatized its resettlement program about 20-years ago. All federal dollars associated with the program now flow through the Catholic Charities of Louisville.

Jordan says it takes up to two-years for refugees to complete an extensive vetting process, making it highly unlikely for any terrorists to slip through.