Supporters of refugees in Idaho are holding a rally Saturday, in response to the attacks in Paris and to send a message to state lawmakers.
The group's Facebook page, the Rally For Solidarity With Refugees in Idaho, says it “is simply a meeting for Idahoans to express their solidarity with refugees from Syria and the rest of the world.”
The rally was prompted by the reactions to the Paris attacks of Idaho Governor Butch Otter and the state's Congressional delegation .
Otter said Monday he wants President Barack Obama to halt the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program until the vetting process can be reviewed.
In a letter to Obama, Otter says he knows his authority is limited when it comes to stopping refugees from coming to Idaho. But he says he will use any legal means to protect Idahoans.
Otter says frustration with the program runs high in Idaho and that the state should be given the chance to opt out of resettling any refugees. He does not specify Syrian refugees.
Several other governors have come out saying they will block any Syrian refugees from coming into their states.
Idaho’s Senators and Congressmen also voiced their concerns with the settlement program. Friday, Congressman Raul Labrador reiterated his position with a letter to constituents. In it, he said he’s worried Syrian terrorists could enter the country posing as refugees and kill Americans.
“Idahoans are big-hearted people who welcome newcomers eager to contribute to our communities. But we can’t let terrorists take advantage of our compassion,” Labrador said in his letter.
Organizers of Saturday’s rally say they want to show compassion and support to “our diverse community and everyone in it.” They say the rally will show “our community will not allow fanatics to scare us into rejecting our brothers and sisters seeking safety and a better life.”
Close to 800 people have signed up to attend the rally, which will be held from 11 to 2 p.m. at the Idaho Statehouse. Organizers are asking people to also bring coats and food, which will be donated to refugee resettlement agencies, the Boise Rescue Mission and the Boise Medical Veterans Affairs Center.
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