Phoenix has sixth largest Syrian population in the U.S.

PHOENIX — According to a report published by Bloomberg Politics, Phoenix has the sixth largest population of Syrians in the United States.

Based on data from the Department of State, there are currently 3,811 Syrian-born residents in Phoenix. The study also notes that the current refugee program seeks to put refugees near family whenever possible.

President Barack Obama plans to allow 10,000 Syrian refugees to the U.S., though last week the House of Representatives passed a bill to suspend that program and better screen refugee applicants. The new process would require the FBI director, the director of national intelligence and homeland security secretary verify each Syrian refugee’s security risk.

The vote took place six days after Islamic State attacks in Paris killed 129 people and it was suspected one of the attackers may have posed as a Syrian refugee to gain entrance into France.

Protests were held at the Arizona Capitol Saturday by those against allowing Syrian refugees into Arizona.

Los Angeles has the largest Syrian population in the country with 16,562 — 1,798 of those in the suburb of Glendale, Calif. Also in the southwest, Riverside, Calif. has the fourth largest Syrian population at 4,943.

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