U.S. attorney for Kansas criticizes effort to bar Syrian refugees

The U.S. attorney for Kansas has issued a statement criticizing efforts to bar Syrian refugees from entering the country, and discouraging discriminatory acts against Muslims in the wake of terrorist attacks in Paris.

The Wichita Eagle reports that U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said Tuesday that decisions regarding the resettlement of refugees are part of the federal government’s authority over immigration.

Several governors, including Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, have spoken out against letting Syrian refugees into the United States, citing that terrorists could enter the country under the guise of being a refugee.

In his statement, Grissom says fear of terrorism is no reason for backlash against Muslims in America.

He also says the Department of Justice will act to enforce hate crime laws.

This story was originally published December 16, 2015 at 2:25 PM with the headline "U.S. attorney for Kansas criticizes effort to bar Syrian refugees."