TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has issued an executive order forbidding any state agencies or organizations that receive state grant money from helping relocate Syrian refugees in his state.

Brownback said Monday the action was necessary because the federal government can’t guarantee Syrian refugees coming to America aren’t terrorists.

 

We must take immediate action to ensure terrorists don’t enter Kansas under the guise of refugee resettlement #ksleg https://t.co/KSPvQn8fQQ

— Sam Brownback (@govsambrownback) November 16, 2015

 

He says refugees fleeing persecution in their own country might be better served by resettling in a friendly country closer to their homes.

Brownback acknowledged that many people seeking refugee status are peaceful and looking for a better life, but said Kansas can’t allow an influx of Syrian refugees while the Islamic State group is threatening to infiltrate the refugee process.

Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer says the well-being of Kansans is a higher priority than helping refugees.