Gov. Rauner: Illinois will stop accepting Syrian refugees

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov. Bruce Rauner says Illinois will temporarily stop accepting new Syrian refugees in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Paris.

Rauner said Monday that Illinois will consider its legal options pending a review of U.S. Department of Homeland Security's acceptance and security processes. Rauner is one of several U.S. governors who say they will stop allowing Syrian refugees into their states after Friday night attacks in Paris left at least 129 people dead.

But some question whether governors have a legal right to prevent a federal refugee program from going forward.

Rauner says Illinois must balance its tradition of welcoming refugees while "ensuring the safety and security of our citizens." The state's Department of Human Services says 169 Syrian refugees have settled in Illinois since 2010.