In response to the recent news of refugees from Afghanistan being placed in Oklahoma, Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, filed SCR12 calling on Congress to change the federal refugee law.

“Under current federal law the placement of refugees is handled by bureaucrats in Washington, D.C., and it’s done with basically zero input from the state elected officials,” Dahm said. “This resolution calls on Congress to change the law.”

The resolution asks the members of the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation to introduce legislation changing the federal Refugee Act of 1980 by allowing states to decide how to accept refugees by including input from their elected officials, whether it be by the Governor or by the Legislature.

“I’ve heard from numerous people across Oklahoma about this administration’s failures that created this debacle and humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan” Dahm said. “Oklahomans are a welcoming people, but many of them have valid concerns about possible security threats. Especially in light of the negligence and incompetence of the administration that created this crisis.”

Current reports indicate around 1,800 refugees could be placed in Oklahoma.

“Every member of our federal delegation in Congress has the opportunity to work to address this,” Dahm said. “It’s time they put the people of Oklahoma and America first and at very least allow us to have a say on who is relocated into our State.”

The federal law does not include provisions for State involvement and give sweeping powers to the President. Under President Trump’s executive order States had an opt-in provision to provide them more control, however it was blocked by federal courts.

“I appreciate everyone from across Oklahoma who has reached out to me with their concerns knowing that I will fight for them.” Dahm said. “I’ll always be a voice for our people and put them first, even if those in ‘leadership’ positions continue their attempts to ban my communications. And especially when they are seeking their own interests above those of the people of Oklahoma.”