Refugees: The governor isn't wrong

On Dec. 23, 2019, Gov. Brad Little sent the following letter to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. This is the entire text of Little’s letter:

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Dear Secretary Pompeo,

I am writing in regard to Executive Order 13888 signed by President Donald Trump on September 26, 2019. I support the decision of county government on this matter. As the Governor of Idaho, I consent to the requirements set forth in executive Order 13888 for Ada County, Idaho.

Sincerely,

Brad Little

Governor of Idaho

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And then the gnashing of teeth began.

Gov. Little was guilty of following the president’s order to allow states and localities to decide for themselves if they want to continue accepting refugees for resettlement. That’s called local control — a concept that most Idahoans will tell you they favor (until a circumstance arises that they disagree with).

Little wasn’t alone, either. More than 30 governors OK’d refugee resettlement in the cities and counties that wanted them. But that won’t mollify Idahoans who are adamant certain people will never be welcome here.

For a little perspective, Idaho resettled 558 refugees last year — half the number allowed here in 2016, the last year of Barack Obama’s presidency. Refugee resettlement is a longstanding legal immigration process with high standards and strict controls. It is the furthest thing from opening a back door when nobody’s looking and letting in aliens who hate America.

Yet that reality hasn’t tamped down the flames of fear that burn in the hearts of some Idahoans, particularly those who have decided that there is no such thing as a good Muslim. To those people we have a recommendation.

Read the thoughts on page A6 in today’s Press of a devout local Christian with irrefutable expertise on refugees. His name is Michael Paul, and there’s something important he wants you to consider.