HIAS Decries Decision by Gov. Abbott to Block Refugee Resettlement in Texas

This afternoon, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that he will not provide consent to allow refugee resettlement to continue in Texas. This makes Abbott the first governor to block resettlement since President Trump signed an executive order giving state and local officials authority to block refugee resettlement in their jurisdictions. To date, 42 governors, including 19 Republicans, have approved resettlement in their states.

In response, Mark Hetfield, HIAS President and CEO, issued the following statement: 

“Texas has a long and proud history of welcoming refugees. For years, more refugees have resettled in Texas than any other state in the country. This is a shameful decision by Gov. Abbott which is unworthy of the great state’s reputation for being big, bold and hospitable." 

Gov. Abbott’s decision is a direct response to the Trump Administration’s Executive Order 13888, which requires that state and local governments must both provide consent in order for refugee resettlement to continue in their states and communities.

HIAS, along with partners Church World Service and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, have filed suit to overturn the executive order and this administration’s unlawful and immoral policies targeting refugees.