Tensions Mount: Should Syrian Refugees Be Accepted In Maryland?

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- As the world remains on heightened alert, tensions continue to mount here in Maryland on whether or not Syrian refugees should be accepted in our state.

Rick Ritter with the controversy that is heating up again.

Many are protesting Governor Hogan's request to keep Syrian refugees out of Maryland, but some lawmakers say we need to worry about our safety and not our emotions.

In the state's capital, dozens come to the defense of Syrian refugees, pointing the finger at Governor Larry Hogan.

"Those who are saying refugees are some sort of security threat, they're wrong," said Bill White, University of Maryland-Baltimore.

Earlier this week, Hogan asked the White House to halt the resettling of Syrian refugees in Maryland. This, after reports that at least one of the Paris attackers may have posed as a refugee to get into Europe--a nationwide battle that continues to heat up.

"Let's help them get away from these slave masters," said Tim McClennen, Annapolis.

But despite the backlash, the governor is not alone.

"The United States has to get serious that this is a war with a brutal, smart enemy," said Delegate Pat McDonough, 7th District.

Several lawmakers are joining his side, citing FBI Director James Comey, who famously admitted the U.S. government has no real way to conduct background checks on those who come into the country.

"My values and my compassion are for people of Maryland and America. I don't want to gamble with their lives," said McDonough.

Dr. Ben Carson joined those calls, saying we can't run on feel good politics.

"We must balance safety against just being a humanitarian," Cardin said.

The U.S. House voted to make it harder for them to come to the United States, but some say it's turning a blind eye to thousands gasping for a breath of freedom.

"This is America, and we are better than this," said Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings.

The Senate will consider the bill after Thanksgiving.

The White House is planning to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees over the next year.