• Latest
  • Trending
Refugees

Texas Becomes First State to Opt Out of Refugee Resettlement Program

January 11, 2020
A woman pours gasoline on the porch of martin luther king jr's childhood home in this videograb

Video: Woman Tries to Burn Down Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birth Home in Atlanta

December 8, 2023
North Korea

Hundreds of North Koreans Who ‘Vanished’ After Being Deported From China Likely Face Torture in Prison

December 8, 2023
Jesus, played by Jonathan Roumie, delivers His Sermon on the Mount to a crowd of thousands in The Chosen

‘Chosen’ Director to Advise New Faith-Based Studio Formed by ‘Jesus Revolution’ Director and Ex-Netflix Exec

December 8, 2023
Vivian Mabuni speaks at Denver Seminary's May 2023 commencement

Vivian Mabuni Tells How Decades-Long Seminary Journey Inspired New Women’s Leadership Endeavor

December 7, 2023
bishop michael curry

Bishop Michael Curry Recovering Post-Surgery for Brain Bleed Due to a Fall

December 5, 2023
Daddy Yankee said 'Jesus is in me' at his farewell concert

‘Jesus Lives in Me’ — Top Latin Artist Daddy Yankee Declares Faith in Christ at Farewell Concert

December 4, 2023
Tony Lowden, Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter's personal pastor, delivered the former first lady eulogy at her funeral on November 29, 2024.

Watch: Tony Lowden, Pastor to Rosalynn Carter and Jimmy Carter, Delivers Former First Lady’s Eulogy

December 1, 2023
aaron dean charged with murder

Zion Carr: Boy Who Witnessed Cop Kill His Aunt Awarded $3.5M Settlement

November 30, 2023
Botham Shem Jean

Sister of Botham Jean — Killed in Home by Off-Duty Cop — Shares Struggles With Forgiveness, Justice in New Book

November 25, 2023
Sandra Maria Van Opstal

‘The Next Worship’ Author Sandra Van Opstal Undergoes Multiple Surgeries to Fight Rare Infection

November 25, 2023
Bishop Carlton Pearson passed away. Carlton Pearson died Sunday, November 19, 2023

Bishop Carlton Pearson, Once Celebrated Pentecostal Preacher, Dies After Brief Battle With Cancer

November 20, 2023
palestinian farmer

‘These Are Biblical Lands Promised to Us,’ Say Jewish Settlers in West Bank Amid Gaza Conflict

November 18, 2023
Faithfully Magazine
  • Members
    • Log In
    • Member Home
    • See All Members
    • What’s New
    • Start or Join a Group
    • Your Freebies
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Submit Content
    • Join the Team
    • Contact Us
    • Give Via PayPal
  • Exclusives
  • Q&As
  • Specials
  • NJ News
  • Listen & Watch
  • Shop
    • Faith Heroes Bookmarks
    • Clothing
    • eBooks
  • Events
    • Community Events
    • FM Live Q&As
  • Resources
    • Black Christian Content
  • Newsletter
Cart / $0.00

No products in the cart.

  • About
    • Advertise
    • Submit Content
    • Join the Team
    • Contact Us
    • Give Via PayPal
  • Exclusives
  • Q&As
  • Specials
  • NJ News
  • Listen & Watch
  • Shop
    • Faith Heroes Bookmarks
    • Clothing
    • eBooks
  • Events
    • Community Events
    • FM Live Q&As
  • Resources
    • Black Christian Content
  • Newsletter
No Result
View All Result
Faithfully Magazine
Home Uncategorized

Texas Becomes First State to Opt Out of Refugee Resettlement Program

FM Editors by FM Editors
January 11, 2020
in Uncategorized
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Refugees

(Photo: Priscilla Du Preez/Unsplash)

ShareTweetPin It

By Julián Aguilar, The Texas Tribune, Jan. 10, 2020

Gov. Greg Abbott informed the U.S. State Department that Texas will not participate in the refugee resettlement program this fiscal year.

The decision comes after more than 40 other governors, including several Republicans, said they would opt in to the federal refugee resettlement program. Resettlement agencies need written consent from states and local governments by Jan. 21. The Trump administration imposed the deadline in a September executive order that requires written consent from states and local entities before they resettle refugees within their boundaries.

The news was first reported by The Daily Wire and later confirmed by the governor’s office. The AP reported that Texas is the first state to opt out of the program.

Abbott said the state and nonprofit organizations should concentrate resources on those already here, according to a letter the governor sent to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

“At this time, the state and nonprofit organizations have a responsibility to dedicate available resources to those who are already here, including refugees, migrants, and the homeless—indeed, all Texans,” he wrote.

Refugee advocacy groups condemned the move.

“This is a deeply disappointing decision — although not surprising given Texas’ previous but unsuccessful opposition to refugee resettlement a few years ago,” said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, the president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. “This is precisely why we filed a lawsuit against President Trump’s unlawful executive order, and we are confident that justice will be served.”

Abbott wrote that Texas has already been forced to “deal with disproportionate migration issues” due to federal inaction to fix a broken immigration system.

“In May 2019, for example, around 100,000 migrants were apprehended crossing this state’s southern border. In June 2019, individuals from 52 different countries were apprehended here,” he wrote.

The number of undocumented migrants apprehended in Texas has dipped considerably since that high mark in May, however. That’s due, in part, to the Trump administration’s policies of requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for their immigration hearings and another policy, known as “metering,” that requires migrants to wait in Mexico before they are allowed to apply for protections here in the United States.

Abbott’s decision comes less than a day after several Texas House Democrats, led by state Rep. Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, urged Abbott to opt in, calling the issue a “moral and economic” one.

“People who are forced to flee their home countries come here looking for a better life and work hard to achieve that goal,” she said in a letter to the governor. Goodwin also touted the economic boon of resettling, citing a 2015 study that found refugees in Texas spent $4.6 billion and paid $1.6 billion in taxes.

Abbott’s decision doesn’t mean refugees won’t be able to come to Texas at all. They could resettle here after first arriving in another state that’s opted in to the program, which the governor acknowledged in his letter.

“This decision does not deny any refugee access to the United States. Nor does it preclude a refugee from later coming to Texas after initially settling in another state,” he wrote.

The Texas Democratic Party quickly slammed Abbott’s decision.

“Refugees are not political pawns and bargaining chips to advance anti-immigrant policies,” the party said in a statement. “We cannot let Republican racism overpower our love and compassion for our brothers and sisters fleeing violence across the world. Republican Governor Greg Abbott is in complete opposition to our Texas values by refusing to let refugees into our great state. Governor Abbott’s decision will lead to more innocent people dying.”

Texas has been a leader in resettlement for several years after reaching a high of about 8,212 people in 2009. The levels dropped off in 2011 and 2012 but hovered around 7,500 for the next four years, according to State Department data. But Friday’s decision won’t necessarily catch advocacy groups off guard, considering Abbott’s recent history on the issue.

In 2016, the governor sued the Obama administration in an effort to prevent Syrian refugees from resettling in Texas. The lawsuit was dismissed, and Abbott later withdrew the state from the resettlement program. But the administration continued partnering with local agencies to resettle refugees in Texas, which received more refugees than any other state — about 1,700 — during the federal government’s 2018 fiscal year. That total was a dip of nearly two-thirds less than 2017, but the number of resettled refugees increased again during the 2019 fiscal year, to about 2,460.

The issue could be far from settled. The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society and the Church World Service sued the Trump administration in November alleging the executive order violates federal law.

Arguments in that case were heard earlier this week. It’s unclear when a decision is expected.

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune.

Leave your vote

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

Browse and manage your votes from your Member Profile Page


Share This Post

Share via

Share This Post

  • Digg
  • Tumblr
  • Flipboard
  • SMS
More
  • Report

RelatedArticles

Hyepin Im, founder and president of Faith and Community Empowerment

Hyepin Im, Gabriel Salguero, and Al Sharpton Tapped to Advise on Faith-Based Threats

October 5, 2022
anti war protest

Dying in Combat ‘Washes Away Sins,’ Russian Orthodox Leader Says

October 1, 2022
Advertisement
Ancestry US
ShareTweetPin It
FM Editors

FM Editors

Faithfully Magazine is a fresh, bold and exciting news and culture publication that covers issues, conversations and events impacting Christian communities of color.

More Articles

james whitfield texas tribune
Education

Texas Principal Accused of Teaching ‘Critical Race Theory’ Resigns in Settlement

November 12, 2021
prison cell
Uncategorized

Texas Bans Christian Chaplains, Other Religious Advisors From Execution Chambers

April 4, 2019
abortion rally texas tribune
Health

Texas Doctor Who Confessed to Violating New Anti-Abortion ‘Heartbeat’ Law Being Sued

September 21, 2021

Discussion about this post

Upcoming Events

Dec 13
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EST

Event: ‘Framing the News: Can Humanities Build Audience Engagement?’

Dec 21
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST

Event: Cardinal Dolan, Other Catholic Leaders Speak on Immigration

View Calendar

Trending

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Tony Evans and Carla Crummie engaged to be married

Dr. Tony Evans Engaged to Former Pastor’s Wife and Widow Four Years After Lois Evans’ Death

September 12, 2023
Sandra Maria Van Opstal

‘The Next Worship’ Author Sandra Van Opstal Undergoes Multiple Surgeries to Fight Rare Infection

November 25, 2023
Haiti

Christians Plea for Prayer, Help Amid Haiti’s Surging Gang Violence

September 12, 2023
Dr Lois Evans Faithfully Magazine

Lois Evans Obituary: Tony Evans’ Wife Was a Dedicated Partner, Mother, and Ministry Leader

January 7, 2020
international church of las vegas faithfully magazine

6 Largest Churches in Las Vegas

January 15, 2020
Vivian Mabuni speaks at Denver Seminary's May 2023 commencement

Vivian Mabuni Tells How Decades-Long Seminary Journey Inspired New Women’s Leadership Endeavor

December 7, 2023
A woman pours gasoline on the porch of martin luther king jr's childhood home in this videograb

Video: Woman Tries to Burn Down Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birth Home in Atlanta

December 8, 2023
North Korea

Hundreds of North Koreans Who ‘Vanished’ After Being Deported From China Likely Face Torture in Prison

December 8, 2023
Jesus, played by Jonathan Roumie, delivers His Sermon on the Mount to a crowd of thousands in The Chosen

‘Chosen’ Director to Advise New Faith-Based Studio Formed by ‘Jesus Revolution’ Director and Ex-Netflix Exec

December 8, 2023
Vivian Mabuni speaks at Denver Seminary's May 2023 commencement

Vivian Mabuni Tells How Decades-Long Seminary Journey Inspired New Women’s Leadership Endeavor

December 7, 2023
bishop michael curry

Bishop Michael Curry Recovering Post-Surgery for Brain Bleed Due to a Fall

December 5, 2023
Daddy Yankee said 'Jesus is in me' at his farewell concert

‘Jesus Lives in Me’ — Top Latin Artist Daddy Yankee Declares Faith in Christ at Farewell Concert

December 4, 2023

Most Shared Articles

  • ‘The Next Worship’ Author Sandra Van Opstal Undergoes Multiple Surgeries to Fight Rare I...
  • Bishop Carlton Pearson, Once Celebrated Pentecostal Preacher, Dies After Brief Battle With Cancer...
  • Vivian Mabuni Tells How Decades-Long Seminary Journey Inspired New Women’s Leadership Endeavor...
  • Victory Chapel Outreach Director Hans Schmidt Shot in Head While Evangelizing Near Church...
  • Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Outspoken Atheist and ‘Muslim Apostate,’ Says She Is ‘Now a Chris...

From The Archive

Donald Trump
Uncategorized

Report: Trump to End DACA But Will Delay Enforcement for Six Months

by FM Editors
September 4, 2017
wedding marriage
Inspiration

That List of Qualities for Your ‘Perfect’ Man—Burn It

by Heather Day
September 6, 2017
southern baptist convention
Clippings

Leader in Baptist Group That Affirmed Slavery Says He Was ‘Stupid’ to Defend Slavery

by FM Editors
May 17, 2020
catholic church
Spotlight

Amid Black Exodus, Young Catholics Push the Church to Address Racism

by FM Editors
November 16, 2021
Randall Balmer Bad Faith Book
Books

Racism, Not Abortion, Birthed the Religious Right, Randall Balmer Argues in ‘Bad Faith’

by FM Editors
September 22, 2021

Who’s Online

There are no users currently online

Latest Votes

  • FM Editors on

    Jesus Likely Had Olive Skin and Short Black Hair, But What Did He Wear?

  • valexander on

    Christena Cleveland on ‘God Is a Black Woman’ and What Compelled Her to ‘Step off the Plantation’

  • FM Editors on

    Sexuality Has Nothing to Do With Salvation, Jackie Hill Perry Says in TBN Talk About ‘Gay Girl, Good God’

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram
Faithfully Magazine

Faithfully Magazine is a news and culture publication centered on Christian communities of color.

We participate in various affiliate programs that allow us to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. FM is independently owned and published and is supported by digital subscriptions, advertising, merchandise sales, and affiliate links. We use these funds to maintain operations and pay our writers. Donations are welcomed.

Recent News

  • Video: Woman Tries to Burn Down Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birth Home in Atlanta
  • Hundreds of North Koreans Who ‘Vanished’ After Being Deported From China Likely Face Torture in Prison
  • ‘Chosen’ Director to Advise New Faith-Based Studio Formed by ‘Jesus Revolution’ Director and Ex-Netflix Exec
  • Vivian Mabuni Tells How Decades-Long Seminary Journey Inspired New Women’s Leadership Endeavor

Most Shared Posts

  • ‘The Next Worship’ Author Sandra Van Opstal Undergoes Multiple Surgeries to Fight Rare Infection...
  • Bishop Carlton Pearson, Once Celebrated Pentecostal Preacher, Dies After Brief Battle With Cancer...
  • Vivian Mabuni Tells How Decades-Long Seminary Journey Inspired New Women’s Leadership Endeavor...
  • Victory Chapel Outreach Director Hans Schmidt Shot in Head While Evangelizing Near Church...
  • Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Outspoken Atheist and ‘Muslim Apostate,’ Says She Is ‘Now a Christian’...

© 2023 Faithfully Media, LLC (Owner and Operator)

  • From The Magazine
  • Inspiration
  • News
  • Opinion & Analysis
  • Profiled
  • Q&As
  • Remember
  • Specials
  • New Jersey
  • Listen & Watch
  • Web Exclusives
  • Shop
    • Clothing
    • Faith Heroes Bookmarks
    • eBooks
  • Events
    • FM Live Events
    • Community Events
  • Resources
    • Black Christian Content
  • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Submit Content
    • Join the Editorial Team
    • Give Via PayPal
  • Members
    • Log In
    • Your Freebies
  • Subscribe to Faithfully Magazine
  • Newsletter
No Result
View All Result

© 2023 Faithfully Media, LLC (Owner and Operator)

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms bellow to register

*By registering on our website, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
Share via

Share This Post

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • Email
  • WhatsApp
  • Copy Link
  • Tumblr
  • Digg
  • Flipboard
  • SMS

Add New Playlist

Log In

Sign In

Login with Facebook
Login with Twitter
Forgot password?

Don't have an account? Register

Forgot password?

Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Back to Login

Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

Log in

Privacy Policy

Accept

Add to Collection

  • Public collection title

  • Private collection title

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.

Try a 14-day free trial today with Ancestry® (We may earn a commission) Dismiss

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?
Send this to a friend