During his weekly address President Barack Obama used the opportunity to wish families a Happy Thanksgiving, while simultaneously reminding Americans of the immigration history surrounding the holiday.

Obama said, “In 1620, a small band of pilgrims came to this continent, refugees who had fled persecution and violence in their native land,” ABC News reports. “Nearly 400 years later, we remember their part in the American story – and we honor the men and women who helped them in their time of need.”

Wednesday, the Obama administration said that states do not have the legal authority to block the resettlement efforts of refugees. A letter from the HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) was sent to state officials, on the matter.

The letter states that states are required by the Refugee Act of 1980 to provide assistance to refugees “without regard to race, religion, nationality, sex, or political opinion.” The letter adds that states cannot end ORR-funded services to refugees from Syria.

According to the letter, refugees are also protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which forbids discrimination based on race and or national origin in federal financial assistance programs. Over 30 governors have stated that they will try to block refugees from entering their states.

A bipartisan bill passed Nov. 19 by the House of Representatives requires the FBI director to certify a background check for all refugees from Syria and Iraq. Additionally, administration officials, including the DHS secretary must determine that each potential refugee does not pose a threat to the United States. Democrats in the Senate, as well as the White House oppose the bill.