In the midst of the recent attacks in Paris, more than half of U.S. state governors have stated that they will not accept Syrian refugees.

One of those governors, Governor Rick Snyder of Michigan, currently the only Democrat to put forth such a stance, made this statement in explanation of his decision, "Michigan is a welcoming state and we are proud of our rich history of immigration, but our first priority is protecting the safety of our residents." It echoes the reasoning of other governors who have made the same choice in response to President Obama's plan to welcome 10,000 more Syrian refugees into U.S. borders.

Their positions have been praised and challenged by people across the country, and much attention has been given to these states within the past week. (This has a lot to do with the fact that what they are doing is not technically legal, but that's a different topic for a different article.)

While it seems that those opposing Obama's plan currently hold the majority (so much so that several representatives have passed a bill to suspend the admission of Iraqi and Syrian refugees until better security measures are developed), there are still plenty of states that have clearly stated that they will continue to accept Syrian refugees.

According to their respective governors, here are the reasons why:

1. Washington

Governor Jay Inslee in an op-ed for the New York Times: "I told Washingtonians that I wouldn’t join those who wanted to demonize people because of the country they flee or the religion they practice. I will uphold our reputation as a place that embraces compassion and equality and eschews fear-mongering."

2. Oregon

Governor Kate Brown: "Clearly, Oregon will continue to accept refugees. They seek safe haven and we will continue to open the doors of opportunity to them. The words on the Statue of Liberty apply in Oregon just as they do in every other state."

And concerning the legality of governors' power to refuse refugees: "In Oregon we will continue to abide by federal laws regarding resettlement. Oregon does not have a direct role or act independently of the federal government."

3. California

Governor Jerry Brown: "I intend to work closely with the president so that he can both uphold America's traditional role as a place of asylum, but also ensure that anyone seeking refuge in America is fully vetted in a sophisticated and utterly reliable way... It's ridiculous to put this overlay on all refugees that there is this dangerous component to them."

4. Hawaii

Governor David Ige: "As President Obama has said—slamming the door in their face would be a betrayal of our values. Hawaii and our nation have a long history of welcoming refugees impacted by war and oppression. Hawaii is the Aloha State, known for its tradition of welcoming all people with tolerance and mutual respect."

5. Utah

Governor Gary Herbert: "Utahns are well known for our compassion for those who are fleeing the violence in their homeland, and we will work to do all we can to ease their suffering without compromising public safety."

6. Colorado

Governor John Hickenlooper: "Our first priority remains the safety of our residents. We will work with the federal government and Homeland Security to ensure the national verification processes for refugees are as stringent as possible. We can protect our security and provide a place where the world's most vulnerable can rebuild their lives."

7. Minnesota

Governor Mark Dayton: "My first priority is to protect the safety of the people of Minnesota. I have been assured by the White House that all refugees are subject to the highest level of security checks of any category of traveler to the United States."

And concerning other governors who have chosen to bar refugees: "I want to protect the people of Minnesota every bit as much those governors want to protect the people of their states. To stand up there with swagger, and say 'I'm going to prevent the wrong people from entering my state' to me is just ludicrous.'"

8. Missouri

Governor Jay Nixon: "We need to be open and understanding about how challenging this (Syrian) civil war situation is. We need to continue to help refugees as Americans, in a safe way... This city and this town reached out . . . (and) helped bring folks there that are integrating into the great diversity and spirit of St. Louis. That's what we do as Americans."

9. Virginia

Governor Terry McAuliffe (a statement from his office): "The Governor and his public safety team are in constant communication with federal authorities about all refugee resettlements, including those involving refugees from Syria. Every refugee who is settled in the U.S. undergoes intensive security screening."

10. Kentucky

Governor Steve Beshear: "“There are thousands of these families that are victims of terrorism and are fleeing terrorism and are just looking for a safe haven. And obviously the United States is gonna be a part of that effort."

Beshear is finishing is second term as Kentucky governor. However, governor-elect Matt Bevin, has not stated his stance on welcoming or blocking refugees from Kentucky. Bevin will begin his term in January.

11. Pennsylvania

Governor Tom Wolf (a statement from his office): “We must not lose sight of the fact that families leaving Syria are trying to escape the same violence and unimaginable terror that took place in Paris and Beirut.”

13. New York

Governor Andrew Cuomo: ""We have to protect Americans and not lose our soul as America in the process, right? The day America says, 'Close the gates, build the wall,' then I say take down the Statue of Liberty because you've gone to a different place. I won't let them win by conceding defeat of the American Dream."

14. Vermont

Governor Peter Shumlin: "“The governors who are taking those actions (refusing Syrian refugees) are stomping on the qualities that make America great... It’s the spirit of all Vermonters to ensure that when you have folks who are drowning, who are dying in pursuit of freedom, that Vermont does its part."

15. Connecticut

Governor Dannel Malloy: "It is the right thing, the humane thing to do. Quite frankly, if you believe in God, it’s the morally correct thing to do."

16. Rhode Island

Governor Gina Raimondo: "...my primary job is to keep the people of Rhode Island safe, but my thing is, let's just calm down. This is a federal issue... I'd like to see this entire debate seasoned with more compassion and tolerance. I'd like people to calm down and focus on the reality."

And finally...

17. Delaware

Governor Jack Markell, in an op-ed piece for CNN: "If his administration decides to place some of those refugees in Delaware, we will work with our federal partners, while expecting them to recognize the federal responsibility to provide or pay for services these individuals may need. The calls for states to reject them not only runs counter to our values, but also our law, which gives the federal government authority to place refugees and does not provide states the right to refuse."

While fear is completely understandable in these times, it does not mean that the actions caused by such fear can be justified. As more information is revealed and people have had time to recollect on the present situation, and the present situations of Syrians fleeing war-torn lands, let's hope more states remember what this country stands for and the sentiment inscribed on one of its most defining monuments.

As Governor Markell says, "...we should recall the most famous gift we received from the French—the Statue of Liberty, with the famous inscription recognizing America as a place that welcomes 'your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.'"