CHARLOTTE -- Governor Pat McCrory announced that he is asking President Barack Obama to cease sending any refugees from Syria to North Carolina. The governor made the announcement at a news conference  Monday in Charlotte. The request is being sent in a letter from the governor to the president.

“North Carolina has a proud tradition of providing a hand-up for those in need, including international refugees,” said Governor McCrory. “However, because President Obama has increased the number of refugees from Syria coming into the United States from 2,000 to 10,000 and because of the terrorist attacks in Paris and the very real possibility that one of the terrorists entered France as a recent refugee, I am requesting that the federal government cease sending refugees from Syria to North Carolina.”

Governor McCrory said North Carolina should not receive any additional refugees until he is satisfied with the thoroughness and effectiveness of federal background and security checks conducted on refugees entering the United States.

The governor cited the September findings of a congressional task force which stated that U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies are concerned about terrorists posing as refugees.

Governor McCrory said he has directed the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Public Safety to coordinate with the appropriate federal agencies.

“My primary duty as governor is to protect the citizens of North Carolina, which is why I am taking the steps I have outlined today,” said Governor McCrory.

Governor McCrory joins ther governors across the U.S. in taking action on Syrian refugees.