SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner says the White House is taking action to answer his questions about Syrian refugees entering the country.
The Republican issued a statement Monday saying he spoke Friday with the deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. According to Rauner, the deputy — Alejandro Mayorkas — promised to schedule a briefing for the governor’s office on what refugees from Syria are coming and when.
Rauner said a week ago he was temporarily stopping Syrian refugees from entering Illinois after the Nov. 13 terrorist attacks in Paris that killed 129. He was one of several U.S. governors to do so in the name of ensuring “safety and security.”
Rauner’s discussion with Mayorkas was arranged after the governor spoke with White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough.