Gov. Haley Urges Resisting 'Angriest Voices' on Immigration
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley urged Americans to resist "the siren of the angriest voices," referencing the nations treatment of immigrants during the GOP's formal response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address.
Haley, who is a U.S.-born daughter of Indian immigrants, said on Tuesday that the country is facing its most dangerous security threat since the terrorist attacks in September 11, 2001.
"During anxious times, it can be tempting to follow the siren call of the angriest voices," she said in her prepared remarks. "We must resist that temptation."
Haley is said to have some potential to be a vice presidential candidate. She did not mention the GOP presidential race other than referencing candidate Donadl Trump's recent comments to bar Muslims from entering the country.
Haley said the United States. should continue admitting "properly vetted legal immigrants, regardless of their race or religion."
"That does not mean we just flat out open our borders," she added.
She also noted that Republicans "need to accept that we've played a role in how and recognize why our government is broken."
Polls have shown public concerns over terrorism and national security have become a top issue ever since attacks in Paris and in San Bernardino, California.
Haley said the nation's problems also include an economy that's not boosted family income, a national debt that's too high and Obama's health care law.
She also cited "chaotic unrest in many of our cities," a reference to community anger in several cities over killings by police of unarmed black people.
Haley is the third consecutive woman GOP leaders have chosen to deliver their party's response to Obama. Freshman Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, gave the address last year and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., the No. 4 House GOP leader, did it in 2014.
