Citizen gathered Monday night for board hearing
The Syrian refugee issue has been a controversial one during the presidential campaign. Locally, it's being played out in communities like Waterford Township in northern Oakland County.
After hearing a mix of opinions, the township board voted 7-0 Monday night for a resolution saying it does not want to participate in the federal government's resettlement program of Syrian refugees, Fox 2's Dave Spencer reports.
Trustees acknowledge the resolution is purely symbolic because the federal government regulates immigration.
"The evidence that we got from law enforcement is that it's a problem the vetting isn't working like they say it's working," said Supervisor Gary Wal.
Some audience members support the move ."What we going to do with the refugees if they come in here, feed them, house them, clothe them," asked one. "We can't afford that. We have veterans who need help."
Others said they're ashamed that the board was taking that stance, and that refugees should be welcome. Two families are already there, one speaker noted.
