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Bentley appeals refugee lawsuit dismissal

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley is appealing the dismissal of the state's lawsuit against the federal government over refugee placement.

Officials with the governor's office filed the appeal today with the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta.

Bentley asked a federal judge in January to block refugees from coming to the state unless federal officials provided a full background check and medical information on each refugee.

A magistrate judge said that there was "nothing in the Refugee Act" which requires federal officials to give states that information.

A judge dismissed a similar Texas lawsuit, ruling states have no authority over resettlements handled by the federal government.

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