ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Missouri Governor Mike Parson is reacting to letter sent to him by a fellow Republican wanting Parson to prohibit the resettlement of any Palestinian refugees from Gaza to Missouri.
In the letter published on social media, State Representative Chris Dinkins of Lesterville says she is concerned about welcoming individuals from regions whose belief systems are rooted in anti-American and anti-Israel sentiments.
"I urge you to take executive action to proactively prohibit the resettlement of any Palestine refugees from Gaza in Missouri," Dinkins wrote in her letter. "Our state has a responsibility to protect its citizens and uphold the values that define us as Americans."
Parson however, pushed back on Dinkins letter, calling her letter 'misguided'
“You don't have the authority to do that to start off with," said Gov. Parson. "Anybody's that's been around a little bit knows the federal government could place refugees anywhere they want too without asking for your permission. We been through this before."
Parson says there's a big difference between the Palestinian people and Hamas terrorists.
"Hamas are terrorists groups that attack our country and hate who we are. We don't want them here under no circumstances whatsoever," said Parson. "But I don't think you want to take everyone from Palestine and make them bad people. I don't know about that."
When it comes to refugees coming to the state, the Gov. Parson says it's a federal government issue.
"When you talk refugees coming to our state, that is a federal government issue," said Parson. "But there are certain cities that accept that in our state. They have been for many years. This has been happening throughout any administration that has been here."