Washington, DC – Today, Texas Governor Greg Abbott became the first governor of any state to align with President Trump’s discriminatory Executive Order 13888 and declare that Texas will no longer welcome refugees.
Katie Adams, Domestic Policy Advocate at United Church of Christ and Co-Chair of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition, responded: “Threaded through our sacred scripture is the ever-present message to love our neighbor and welcome the sojourner. Closing that welcome and denying the opportunity to love our neighbor flattens the good news of the gospel into mere words, not the living, breathing gospel of Jesus.”
Mark Hetfield, President and CEO of HIAS, said: “Texas has a long and proud history of welcoming refugees, including many Jews who found safety in Texas after fleeing religious persecution. Our faith and our traditions guide us to welcome the stranger. Today’s shameful decision by Governor Abbott flies in the face of this welcoming tradition and Texas’ reputation for being big, bold and hospitable.”
CWS President and CEO Rev. John L. McCullough pointed out: “The Mayors of San Antonio, Dallas, and Fort Worth along with local officials across the state have voiced strong support for refugees resettlement citing the vast economic and civic benefits they bring to communities. In one fell swoop Governor Abbott has denied them the ability to do what is best for their communities.”
Abbott’s decision is an outlier. Forty-two other U.S. governors, both Democrats and Republicans, have already committed to continuing to welcoming refugees under this Executive Order. Refugees are valued members of communities and congregations in every state. Welcoming them through the U.S. Refugee Resettlement program saves their lives, and enriches ours.
This is true in Texas as it is everywhere. According to Refugee Council USA, over 120,000 Texans first came to the United States as UNHCR-designated refugees, and 57% of them have become U.S. citizens so far. Fifty-four percent own their homes, and 58,400 U.S.-born citizens have parents who are refugees. Former refugees are employed in a variety of jobs and industries, and many are caregivers by trade.
Adams continued: “They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that sure had been true when it comes to welcoming refugees. Many folks in Texas have stepped up and assisted refugees, who have in turn enriched their communities and state. We are grateful for that faithful witness, and pray that Governor Abbott follows their example and reverses this decision.”
Earlier this week, the IIC hosted a celebration of refugees outside of the U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, MD ahead of a hearing in a court case challenging this Executive Order. The lawsuit was filed by IRAP on behalf of HIAS, Church World Service, and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. Photos and video of that event are available here.
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is made up of 54 national, faith-based organizations brought together across many theological traditions with a common call to seek just policies that lift up the God-given dignity of every individual. In partnership, we work to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all refugees and migrants.
Follow us on Twitter @interfaithimm
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