NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Gov. Bill Haslam says he is asking the federal government to suspend placement of Syrian refugees in Tennessee.
In a statement released to media on Monday, Haslam acknowledges that the federal government has the authority to place refugees but states "they have said in the past they would be open to cooperating with receiving states."
Haslam says he wants to suspend placement of Syrian refugees in Tennessee "until states can become more of a partner in the vetting process."
Haslam also says he is asking the U.S. Department of State for the status of any Syrian refugees currently slated to come to Tennessee.
Tennessee Office for Refugees State Coordinator Holly Johnson says the state has settled fewer than 50 Syrian refugees since her office took over the process in 2008.