(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C,I-East Patchogue) today issued the following statement concerning the Syrian refugee crisis:
“While I realize that New York is known throughout the world as a cultural melting pot and that we are known as some of the most compassionate people on the planet, there are times when that compassion may have to take a back seat to the safety of our citizenry.
“I am respectfully asking that Gov. Cuomo consider the safety and well-being of the citizens of the United States, particularly the citizens of New York State, and join the growing list of governors from across the country refusing to take in thousands of undocumented and unchecked Syrian refugees. As we are well aware, New York is a prime terrorist target and with ISIS already admitting that they plan to smuggle in hundreds, if not thousands, of terrorists among the refugees, it is simply not wise to take the chance that they may do just that.
“I understand this is a very tough call. I understand that as a compassionate people, our first instinct is to help in any way possible. However, in light of what happened in Paris and in light of the ever-increasing threat of terrorist attacks, I think it is imperative that we put the safety and security of our citizens and our families first.”
