Hundreds Rally at State Capitol Over Connecticut's Stance on Accepting Syrian Refugees

On opposite sides of the Capitol building in Hartford, opposing views were voiced over the Syrian refugee crisis, Saturday.

“We support the idea that refugees should come to the United States. We think it’s pretty critical,” said Peter Goselin, of West Hartford.

“These are not pilgrims coming here for a better life these are adult male military age coming here to wage war upon our country,” John Matto, of Shelton, said.

While thousands of people RSVP’d on both groups’ social media sites, only hundreds attended. Still, their voices were heard loud and clear.

Hundreds of refugee supporters held up signs while listening to organizers who said we have a moral and political obligation to open our doors to the refugees.

“This is a really important point in American history right now. We’re seeing the same kind of waves of anti-immigrant and xenophobic sentiment that we’ve seen in the past whenever people needed to come to the United States as refugees,” Goselin added.

Meanwhile, just around the corner, those opposed called the refugee program a pathway for terrorists.

“There’s no documentation in a war-torn country like Syria,” said Judith Randal, of Trumbull.

“What are the terrorists going to take, canoes over here? I mean honestly. Their fear is really misfound,” Matthew Oakes, of East Hartford, said.

Hundreds from the “Say YES to Syrian Refugees” group rallied on the steps of the Capitol building, while dozens of members from the “Say NO to Syrian Refugees” group marched from the Capitol to the governor’s residence.

“The people do not want this and this is the people’s governments,” said Matto.

“We have some fault and some responsibility in helping these folks out,” said Oakes.

“I wouldn’t want to be a foreigner thousands of miles away from home. It’s not good for them,” Randall said.

It’s a national debate taking center stage right here in Connecticut.

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