New, and awful, update to this. Despite the fact that mayors of *every* major city in Texas have asked to continue receiving refugees, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has now said they will be prevented from doing so: dallasnews.com/news/politics/…
This is the result of a new and likely illegal Trump admin exec order that gives states veto power over refugee resettlement. The EO is currently being challenged in court by three faith-based refugee resettlement agencies (@hias, @CWS_global, @LIRSorg)
@hias @CWS_global @LIRSorg The resettlement agencies are hoping a federal judge agrees to a preliminary injunction before Jan. 21, the deadline by which resettlement groups have to submit proposals for where they will place refugees in the next contract.
@hias @CWS_global @LIRSorg Communities that have historically taken in lots of refugees -- many of which are in deep-red areas -- have seen firsthand the economic & social value refugees contribute. They have eagerly asked for more refugees. Gov Abbott and other governors are blocking these requests
@hias @CWS_global @LIRSorg Abbott has explicitly said TX won't take any more refugees. But to be clear, the Trump admin EO made refugee resettlement opt *in.* That means governors who have said *nothing* are also effectively vetoing refugees, unless they send State Dept a "letter of consent" by Jan 21
@hias @CWS_global @LIRSorg Among the other states whose governors have, to my knowledge, remained silent thus far (effectively vetoing all new refugees, unless they say otherwise by Jan 21): FL, GA, AL, MS, SC, WY
@hias @CWS_global @LIRSorg If you're wondering why communities want refugees — who often arrive in need of public services — multiple studies have found that over time refugees are net econ/fiscal contributors. Trump admin's *own analysis,* which it tried to bury, found this! nytimes.com/2017/09/18/us/…
@hias @CWS_global @LIRSorg But hey let's say you don't believe the national numbers. OK. How about the testimonials of 88 bipartisan mayors from around the country? usmayors.org/wp-content/upl… 
