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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Critics of Governor Rauner closing the state’s borders to Syrian refugees came out in full force Tuesday. One activist said his action is spreading fear and racism.

Congressman Luis Gutierrez blasted more than half the nation’s governors who say Syrian refugees aren’t welcome in their states right now.

President Obama had a conference call with those governors this afternoon. The movement to welcome refugees is online too; a moveon.org petition that’s gaining ground in Chicago calls on Mayor Emanuel to not support Rauner’s announcement.

Exodus World Service is welcoming a family from Syria tomorrow, a family that was caught between civil unrest and terrorism. They are among the 20 or so Syrian refugees who the group has helped in the past year.