Michael Moore: I'll house Syrian refugees in Traverse City

Michigan documentary filmmaker Michael Moore and Gov. Rick Snyder's administration continue to spar over the issue of Syrian refugees.

In a letter to Snyder posted on his Facebook page, the Oscar winner called it "disgraceful" that the governor wants to pause the process of bringing more Syrian refugees to the state.

He also volunteered his own apartment in northern Michigan as a shelter for those fleeing the war-torn country.

Now the governor's press secretary says his views aren't being represented accurately. And Moore reiterated to the Free Press that his offer to help the refugees is much more than symbolic.

Moore's Facebook letter spells out why he's opposing Snyder and how.

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“I just wanted to let you know that, contrary to your declaration of denying Syrian refugees a home in our state of Michigan, I myself am going to defy your ban and will offer MY home in Traverse City, Michigan, to those very Syrian refugees you’ve decided to keep out," wrote Moore in the letter.

"I will contact the State Department to let them know I am happy to provide a safe haven to any Syrian refugee couple approved by the Obama administration’s vetting procedures in which I have full faith and trust.”

Snyder press secretary Sara Wurfel told the Free Press via email Friday, "It’s unfortunate that (the) Governor’s position is being misrepresented. Gov. Snyder has been a vocal advocate for continuing to make Michigan a home and welcoming state for immigrants, including refugees escaping violence and oppression from all corners of the world. He is just asking for a thorough review of security clearances and procedures to ensure that he can also fulfill a primary responsibility of keeping Michiganders safe."

Michigan could potentially see more Syrian refugees

In the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks, Snyder received national attention for saying that he was suspending his administration's efforts to bring more Syrian and Middle Eastern refugees to Michigan pending a review of vetting practices by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

"Michigan is a welcoming state and we are proud of our rich history of immigration," said Snyder in the statement on Sunday. "But our first priority is protecting the safety of our residents."

According to Free Press reports this week, Snyder's office said that it was not making any blanket statements about Syrian refugees coming to Michigan, only that the governor would stop actively encouraging more refugee resettlements until the proper U.S. authorities reviewed the vetting procedures.

On Tuesday, Time magazine ran an essay by Snyder further elaborating his thoughts. It was titled "We Must Welcome Refugees – After Screening Them."

More than 120 people were killed in Paris last week and hundreds more were injured in a series of suicide bombings and attacks that officials say were orchestrated by the Islamic State, a terrorist group with a stronghold in Syria. Millions of Syrians have left the war-ravaged country to rebuild their lives elsewhere.

Moore criticized Snyder for his "heartless and un-Christian actions, and for joining in with at least 25 other governors (all but one a Republican) who've decided to block legal Syrian refugees from coming into their states."

He also described Snyder's position as anti-American and pointed out that the United States is home to immigrants from across the globe. "In Michigan we are fortunate to count amongst us tens of thousands of Arab and Muslim Americans,” he said.

And, with his characteristic mix of outrage and humor, he included a postscript that said his 700-square-foot apartment is small but has cable, wi-fi and a new dishwasher.

"Stop by any time for a hot chocolate this winter," he concluded.

Moore messaged the Free Press on Friday that he hasn't heard from Snyder or his staff. He reiterated his pledge to help the refugees.

"They're going to have to physically stop me from helping relocate legal Syrian refugees into Michigan and into my home. This is not a symbolic move; I plan to make this happen," he wrote in an email.

“Where to Invade Next,” the latest film from Moore, explores how other countries have dealt successfully with some of the problems facing America. It opens nationally on Jan. 15.

Contact Detroit Free Press writer Julie Hinds: 313-222-6427 or jhinds@freepress.com.