November 17, 2015

The Honorable Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear President Obama:
As we mourn the loss of innocent life from Friday’s horrific and cowardly attacks in Paris, these terrible
events have once again shown us that the threat of Islamic terrorism knows no boundaries and
recognizes no borders. I believe that as a country we must do everything we can to provide our citizens
the safe environment to live, work and raise a family that so many across the world seek.
Since Friday the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security has been in contact with the
Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and we appreciate the
cooperation and support of federal agencies during this time.
We are currently working to get specifics from the U.S. Department of State on the status of any Syrian
refugees currently slated to come to Tennessee. While screening, acceptance and placement is legally
under the authority of the federal government, your administration has indicated in the past that it
would be open to cooperating with receiving states. I respectfully ask that the federal government
suspend placements in Tennessee until states can become more of a partner in the vetting process.
Sincerely,

Bill Haslam
Governor