x-sender: governor.haley@sc.lmhostediq.com x-receiver: governor.haley@sc.lmhostediq.com Received: from mail pickup service by sc.lmhostediq.com with Microsoft SMTPSVC; Fri, 18 Dec 2015 14:06:37 -0500 thread-index: AdE5xzfYmT+lx1DtSduqCm6ObH5sPw== Thread-Topic: Change Conversation on Syrian Refugees From: To: Subject: Change Conversation on Syrian Refugees Date: Fri, 18 Dec 2015 14:06:36 -0500 Message-ID: <2832861C54494725B7DD1772EC98C5F2@IQ12> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: Microsoft CDO for Windows 2000 Content-Class: urn:content-classes:message Importance: normal Priority: normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.1.7601.17609 X-OriginalArrivalTime: 18 Dec 2015 19:06:37.0068 (UTC) FILETIME=[37F73CC0:01D139C7] CUSTOM Miss Jessica Mussro 744 Berkeley Drive Clemson SC 29631 jess.mussro@gmail.com 864-633-7156 IMMI Change Conversation on Syrian Refugees 99.5.126.75 Dear Governor Haley, I am writing to in regards to your stance on the United States' acceptance of Syrian refugees. While I admire your commitment to our security, the furor over refugee screening is misdirected and distracts us from accurately understanding the Syrian crisis. As South Carolina is now a host state for Syrian refugees, I ask you to build an atmosphere of understanding and welcome for our new residents. The United States has a rigorous immigration process for refugees: an 18-24 month review conducted through the UNHCR, the U.S. DHS, DHHS, and FBI. Furthermore, due to the lengthy nature of the vetting process, it is unlikely-and unprecedented-that a terrorist would choose this avenue to enter the United States. Having lived and studied in the Middle East, I can attest to the need for greater respect and understanding between Americans and people from this region. The resettlement of Syrian refugees in South Carolina creates an invaluable opportunity to develop this understanding. However, alarmist narratives have created an environment of fear and prejudice in our communities. I ask for you to dispel these attitudes and make our state a place of welcome. Thank you for your consideration and work. Sincerely, Jessica Mussro