A coalition of U.S. mayors has called on both legislative bodies of Congress to welcome Syrian refugees.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM), a non-partisan organization representing cites with populations over 30,000 people, penned an open letter to Congress in support of the U.S. refugee resettlement system, recognize the importance of accepting refugees in U.S. cities and resist calls to prevent Syrian refugees in the country following their completed screening process.

The USCM, which includes Latino mayors such as Connecticut's Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra and Texas' Socorro Mayor Jesus Ruiz, agreed and wrote to Congress to "take no action" in preventing refugees into the country. The mayors acknowledged they adopted policy last year that recognizes the country's lead in protecting refugees and "celebrates' the contributions each have made in their communities.

The 62 mayors, including one in Puerto Rico, led by Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who serves as president of the USCM, stated, "Our nation has always been a beacon of hope for those seeking peace and protection from persecution. We urge you to take no action that will jeopardize this rich and proud heritage."

Many of the mayors represent states where its governors have refused to accept Syrian refugees. Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas are among the 31 states that have protested the admission of refugees. However, mayors ranging from Arizona's Phoenix and Tucson, Florida's Tallahassee and Hollywood, Illinois' Chicago, Massachusetts' Boston and Newton, Michigan's Detroit and Grand Rapids to Texas' Austin and Dallas have opposed their respective governors and welcome refugees, particularly from Syria, in their cities.

Although the 31 governors have protested against accepting Iraqi and Syrian refugees, the Obama administration issued a reminder that states do not have the legal authority to refuse to deny refugees. The Office of Refugee Resettlement, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, stated that states would be breaking U.S. law and subject to enforcement action, which may include loss of federal funds.

On Nov. 19, the House of Representatives approved the "American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015" (H.R. 4038), which would enhance refugee background checks, specifically people from Iraq and Syria. The bill overwhelmingly passed with 289-137 votes and can be accepted for debate in the Senate.

Latino members of the House were split.

"I want to ensure our country remains a place of refuge and hope for oppressed people from all over the world, while granting our law enforcement officials the tools they need to properly screen each refugee and keep Americans safe," said Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla, who voted for the bill. "The ultimate solution for this tragic refugee crisis is to defeat and destroy ISIS and clear the path for new leadership in Syria. On this, our country must lead."

"If I believed that this rushed legislation made our toughest of refugee screening systems work better, I would vote for it. But, if this rushed legislation only adds another layer of bureaucracy that makes our screening process look tougher and results in women and children -- who are fleeing the very terrorists we seek to keep out -- being denied safety and shelter, then I must oppose this legislation," said Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif., said in a statement, noting that safety is also a top priority and current refugee screening checks are the toughest in the world.

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