Burgum: Possible lawsuit over refugees 'on the table' but not a priority

FARGO—Doug Burgum isn't backing away from saying North Dakota should consider legal action against the federal government so state and local officials can have a role in refugee resettlement, but the GOP gubernatorial candidate said the issue is not one of his priorities.

Some state and local leaders have complained that they have no say in determining whether refugees are resettled in their communities. In Fargo, City Commissioner Dave Piepkorn has pushed for detailed information tallying the costs refugee settlement imposes on local taxpayers for services, including social services, education and law enforcement.

Burgum first said suing the federal government is an "option that deserves consideration and debate" during the June primary campaign, a position he still holds, he told The Forum Editorial Board on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

"I think it's an option that needs to be on the table," Burgum said of possible legal action against the federal government, adding it is "not a decision to be made lightly."

Read more: http://www.inforum.com/news/4134578-burgum-possible-lawsuit-over-refugees-table-not-priority