Wrap: Nixon was one of only a few Midwestern governors who said they would let in Syrian refugees after a string of terrorist attacks abroad and at home.

Actuality:	NIXA.WAV
Run Time:	00:04
Description: "I've never been one to join into short-term political demagoguery, and that's what's going on."

Nixon said this kind of talk could encourage more groups to become radicalized and harbor anti-American sentiment. A group of Republican legislators in Missouri want the federal government to stop accepting refugees until a more secure immigration system is established.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jill Ornitz.

Wrap: Nixon called this idea political demagoguery and said religious screening of immigrants and refugees contradicts American and Missouri values.

Actuality:	NIXB.WAV
Run Time:	00:07
Description: "That's not what America is. We're a diverse country. We're a diverse state. That's how this country was formed and how it's going to grow."

Nixon referenced the Bosnian population of St. Louis and how letting in refugees has allowed Missouri to build more vibrant communities. However, some Missouri legislators have called on the federal government to stop allowing refugees to enter the United States until additional screening measures are implemented.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jill Ornitz.

Wrap: Jay Nixon said religious screening of refugees goes against American and Missouri values and is a political intimidation tactic.

Actuality:	NIXC.WAV
Run Time:	00:09
Description: "I mean, my golly, if every time something happened that anybody had any of thoes traits that we were gonna say, 'nobody that has any of those traits can come to America,' that's just not thoughtful policy."

Nixon was one of only a few Midwestern governors who said his state would accept refugees following a string of terror attacks in the U.S. and abroad. However, a group of Missouri lawmakers have called on the U.S. government to stop allowing refugees to enter the country until more rigorous screening and security measures are adopted.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jill Ornitz.

Wrap: Governor Nixon said standing behind anti-immigrant rhetoric because of religious affiliation could encourage the growth of anti-American sentiment.

Actuality:	NIXD.WAV
Run Time:	00:15
Description: "I think there's a very real likelihood that talk of that type can make the situation worse not better. I mean, if folks around the world think that, I think its much more likely for them to become radicalized against our country."

Nixon said Missouri's history of letting in refugees, including Bosnians in the Bevo Mill area of St. Louis, is a testiment to Missouri and American values. Some Missouri lawmakers have said the federal government must stop accepting and relocating refugees until more rigorous and effective security measures are enacted.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jill Ornitz.