On Friday afternoon, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas would become the first state in the US to reject refugee resettlement under the Trump administration’s new policy allowing states and local governments to opt in or out of refugee resettlement. Faith groups have been quick to object to the Governor’s decision.
Texas Impact finds it particularly egregious that the Governor would make nonprofits the scapegoats for his decision, claiming the state’s charitable and faith-based organizations are too resource-strapped to minister to refugees. In fact, support for refugee resettlement comes from federal funds that are specific to the resettlement program.
Happily, the Governor’s decision only applies to 2020. The Governor can and should commit now to accepting refugees in 2021. Faith communities can work with the Governor and other elected officials to clarify how the program benefits Texas, and to ensure that vulnerable people can find safety and security in the Lone Star State.
READ THE GOVERNOR’S LETTER TO SECRETARY OF STATE MIKE POMPEO
