LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder says his administration is talking with federal officials on the role the state can play in taking more refugees from war-torn Syria and the Middle East.

The Republican governor spoke Tuesday to the inaugural meeting of the state Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs in Lansing. The board works within the Department of Civil Rights to monitor, evaluate and make recommendations to the governor.

Michigan has one of nation’s largest Middle Eastern populations and Snyder says he “would love to see it grow.” He adds there’s no specific number of refugees being discussed but he wants to remain a welcoming state.

The Obama administration seeks to accept significantly more refugees in the coming budget year as millions flee Syria.