Community groups across the state are calling on Gov. Bruce Rauner to welcome Syrian refugees into the state of Illinois. On Monday, Rauner joined several governors across the country in saying that he wants a temporary hold on the placement of Syrian refugees in his state.

The Heartland Alliance and RefugeeOne argue that Rauner does not have the authority to stop the settlement of Syrian refugees in the state, adding that the vetting process for the refugees is stringent and thorough. They also say they want the state to be a welcoming place for the refugees. Earlier today, the Chicago City Council passed a resolution for the city to be a welcome haven for Syrian refugees.

Since 2010, 169 Syrian refugees have been brought to Illinois. Data analysis by NBC News shows that Illinois is among the top ten states in the nation when it comes to the size of its Syrian population. Some 5,100 people in the state say they were born in Syria and another 5,500 claim to have Syrian ancestry.