Governor Brownback Broadens Order Against Refugee Resettlements

Governor Sam Brownback has issued a new, broader executive order telling state agencies that they can’t assist with resettling refugees who are security risks.

The order issued by the governor Friday applies to any refugees presenting a security risk to the state. Brownback’s office issued a statement saying the order recognizes the threat posed by terrorists or refugees sympathetic to them.

The Republican governor issued an executive order in November that applied specifically to Syrian refugees. Like the previous order, the new one also is aimed at preventing organizations that receive state grant money from helping relocate refugees.

The new order says the restrictions will remain in place until Kansas is assured that the federal government has an adequate process for vetting refugees.