3 Indiana mayors sign letter supporting Syrian refugees

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) – Three Indiana mayors are among 62 U.S. mayors who’ve signed an open letter supporting the resettlement of Syrian refugees in the United States.

The mayors wrote to Congress Friday urging that it take no action that would prevent the refugees from entering the United States after they have completed the screening process.

The position contrasts with Republican Gov. Mike Pence, who ordered Indiana agencies to halt resettlement activities.

Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg are Democrats. Their letter says the U.S. “has always been a beacon of hope for those seeking peace and protection from persecution.”

President Barack Obama has outlined a goal of bringing 10,000 more Syrian refugees to the U.S. during the current budget year.