Commissioners oppose refugees resettling in county

The Lake County Commisioners Office sent a letter to Anne C. Richard, Assistant Secretary of Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration at the U.S. Department of State with its official stance on accepting refugees. “The Lake County Commissioners are opposed to the resettling of refugees from any country in Lake County at this time.” 

The letter, dated March 28, 2016 goes on to reference the possible impacts the refugees would have on health care, housing, jobs, and a variety of other public services. 

It also addresses their concern with the federal government’s refugee vetting process and seeks an “analysis of refugee impacts to our country.” 

“We were approached by local citizens asking if we would consider doing this,” Chairperson Ann Brower said. “After watching Missoula and Ravalli county and Flathead county all do letters themselves, it was anticipated.”

According to the Lake County Board of Commissioners, a March 24 meeting was held to address any possible refugees coming into the area. The meeting was attended by two people from the public, both from a local group identified by the board as A.C.T. “They brought a petition with them with numerous signatures,” Bill Barron said.

No other community members were in attendance, though it was open to the public. 

According to Barron, the County Commissioner’s number one responsibility is public safety. “We have to do everything we can to guarantee that. We didn’t single out Syrians. We said we are against any refugee that is not properly vetted.” 

Though the board has not heard of any specific cases of possible refugees being settled in the area, they expressed concern about the possibility. 

“If they open an office to bring refugees to the United States, and they’ve opened an office in Missoula, it’s logical to assume that there will be people brought to the area,” Barron said.

The other issue addressed with the board was that of a burden on the community with an influx of people. “Anytime there is a large influx of people, regardless of where they’re coming from, that is going to create a burden,” said Brower. “And if that were to happen, we would of course want to ensure that those were vetted properly.” 

The board is concerned about the possibility of a shortened vetting time, though at press time no sources could confirm that the current vetting process has been changed.