Dayton Decries Political ‘Showmanship’ Over Syrian Refugees

ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says other governors declaring their states closed to Syrian refugees are guilty of "showmanship" and are turning their backs on people trying to escape terrorism in their homeland.

The two-term Democrat lashed out Tuesday at calls by roughly half of the nation's governors to halt migration of Syrian refugees to the United States. Other governors, mostly Republicans, are raising concerns over the possibility that radicals will attempt to blend in and carry out attacks once on U.S. social.

Dayton says such postures only serve to erode trust among neighbors with different nationalities or religions and foment fear over newcomers.

He says it's possible to protect the state's citizens from harm without walling off refugees.

Minnesota has had fewer than 10 people arrive from Syria since 2009.