President Obama Mocks Republicans on Refugee Stance

The president doubts there's any reason to fear "3-year-old orphans."

"Apparently, they are scared of widows and orphans coming into the United States of America," the president said. "At first they were too scared of the press being too tough on them in the debates. Now they are scared of 3-year-old orphans. That doesn't seem so tough to me."

"When individuals say we should have a religious test and that only Christians, proven Christians, should be admitted, that's offensive,” Obama said. “It needs to stop; because the world is watching,” he added.

The White House wants the United States to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees next year, but governors in more than two dozen states want to block refugees from resettling in their states.

The White House hosted a nearly 90-minute conference call Tuesday with 34 governors to discuss the refugee resettlement process, including detailing the screening and security vetting process.

"The administration officials reiterated what the president has made abundantly clear: that his top priority is the safety of the American people," the White House said in a readout of the meeting.

"That’s why, even as the United States accepts more refugees, including Syrians, we do so only after they undergo the most rigorous screening and security vetting of any category of traveler to the United States."