How would you feel if strangers enter your house without permission and they live with you all of a sudden? Of course, you will be shocked and definitely not pleased.
Some Americans are feeling the same shock and displeasure upon learning that Syrian refugees were sneaked into their communities by federal resettlement contractors who reached a deal on the matter with local officials. The latter did not bother to seek their constituents' consent, reports say.
One of these communities is in the small city of Rutland in the state of Vermont, where about 100 migrants from war-torn Syria were resettled.
Last Thursday, residents of Rutland gathered at a public library to demand an explanation from their city mayor, Chris Louras, on why he negotiated the deal with federal resettlement contractors behind closed doors.
Some of the protesters held placards saying "Veterans Before Refugees," "What's the Rush?" "Fix Rutland First," and "What's the Cost?"
Louras reportedly announced last April 26 that the city will be welcoming 100 Syrian migrants—with the deal already sealed.
David O'Brien, a Rutland resident, said he expected the local government to consult them with such a big decision, which some fear may usher in the entry of Sunni radicalism and terrorism in the area.
"Something like relocating 100 refugees, especially from a very tough part of the world, war-torn Syria, is something you would just logically think you would have a discussion about," O'Brien told WND.
Bill Jalbert, another resident, said that while he does not oppose helping refugees from Syria, members of their community who are also in need should be prioritised by the government.
"A lot of people are not against helping the refugees. I'm not personally against helping the refugees, I just think we have a lot of people in this state we need to help before we help the refugees," he also told WND.
Matt Howland, who also lives in Rutland, for his part demanded accountability from government officials who approved the deal on accepting Syrian migrants without subjecting it to public scrutiny.
"[This] is not just going to roll over and just take this without asking hard questions, without holding people accountable and making people answer the questions and put forth a plan, and let people know what's going on," Howland said.
Rutland is not the only American community which will receive Syrian refugees. Small communities in northern Nevada are also set to accommodate 75 migrants, according to a local radio station affiliated with the NPR.
