Texas files suit in federal court over Syrian refugees

According to the Obama administration’s legal reasoning, refugee resettlement is a federal matter, and states would violate the Civil Rights Act by denying the migrants service.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Dallas, marks an escalation in the battle some states are waging with the White House over Syrian refugees in the wake of the last month’s terrorist attacks in Paris.

Texas on Wednesday sued the Obama administration and an organization that resettles refugees over plans to bring six Syrian refugees to the state later this week. And the International Rescue Committee’s Dallas branch informed the state it would continue aiding Syrian refugees placed in Texas despite Abbott’s orders.

Abbott is among more than two dozen governors, mostly Republicans, who have vowed since the Paris attacks to keep new Syrian refugees from resettling in their states, expressing fears that militants planning a terror attack could enter the country under the guise of seeking refuge from war-torn Syria.

Citing potential for “irreparable harm”, the state reiterated in the law suit numerous security concerns that it has previously outlined.

“We are also hoping to meet with Governor Abbott to do our piece to persuade him and other officials of State of the integrity of the refugee security process”, said Lucy Carrigan, a senior officer in communications for the IRC.

“We have been working diligently with the International Rescue Committee to find a solution that ensures the safety and security for all Texans, but we have reached an impasse and will now let the courts decide”, Bryan Black, a spokesman for HHSC, said. International Rescue Committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Texas takes in roughly 10 percent of the refugees resettled in the United States, partnering with local volunteer agencies to help refugees transition to the State and pay associated costs. The act requires that the federal government consult with state authorities.

Paxton said the federal government has not fulfilled their burden to consult with Texas ahead of the refugee relocation.

Texas has filed a lawsuit against the federal government and a nonprofit refugee resettlement group. Specifically, an Interstate Compact for Refugee Resettlement Management in the United States would give states the ability to manage refugee resettlement programs within their state borders.

In addition, various faith groups and immigration advocates such as IRC have also challenged the morality of lawmakers who insist on rejecting Syrian refugees.