Catholic Charities To Help Family Of Syrian Refugees Relocate To Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS -- A family of Syrian refugees could be arriving in Indiana soon, despite the governor saying he has suspended the resettlement program. 

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is planning to resettle a mother, a father, and two children in Indianapolis as early as next week. The family’s move to Indiana has been in the works for more than two years.

Archdiocese of Indianapolis spokesperson Greg Otolski says the Catholic Charities in Indianapolis will begin  working with the family when they arrive.

"Our first concern is always for the family, and we want the family to come to a place where they know they are gonna be welcomed and it’s not a hostile environment for them," he said. 

Gov. Mike Pence’s office declined to comment on this particular situation, but Pence has maintained he wants a better federal screening process before allowing refugees to resettle in Indiana.

Pence sent a letter to the Indiana Congressional Delegation Wednesday, asking them to pause the U-S Syrian refugee resettlement program and “enact legislation that will address safety and security concerns so Indiana can renew its participation.”