Rauner faces challenges in move to block Syrian refugees

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. Bruce Rauner says his moratorium attempting to block Syrian refugees from resettling in Illinois is simply a request for the Obama administration to “take a deep breath” and tighten the review process to make sure Washington shares necessary information with the states.Refugee-resettlement groups say Rauner has no authority to stop incoming Syrians.

They say U.S. screening is exacting and there’s very little chance a terrorist will sneak through.

An Associated Press analysis of state records shows that since 2012, the federal government has allocated $55 million to Illinois for refugee services.

The state has spent 60 percent of it.

The state Department of Human Services says 169 Syrians have settled in Illinois since 2010.

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