White House offers governors personalized reports on refugee resettlement

The controversy over Syrian refugees and where they will be placed is blowing the lid off the federal government’s refugee resettlement program as governors are learning just how secretive this program really is. And not cooperating could lead to a termination of the state contract, and “other legal action”.

Scott, after acknowledging that he and other governors can do little to prevent refugees from being resettled in their states, wrote congressional leaders two weeks ago seeking legislation that would stop the administration from spending money on the resettlement effort – “without an extensive evaluation of the risk these individuals may pose to our national security”.

At least 242 Syrian refugees have been resettled in Texas since 2012.

Duckworth, a military veteran, has been outspoken about the need to show compassion to refugees, many of whom are women and young children themselves victimized by the Islamic State. He said there is an apartment awaiting his family members.

Groups supporting potential refugees fear the dueling letters will cause confusion.

The family includes Faez’s half-brother, a sister-in-law, a 4-year-old, a 7-year-old and Faez’s parents, she said.

Larry Korkmas, president of Texans for Immigration Reduction and Enforcement, noted that sanctuary cities, which offer safe haven to illegal migrants, could become magnets for refugees.

“The policy that violates our Constitution and the rule of law – that’s exactly how I feel”, she said.

Earnest said refugees are the “most rigorously screened class of travelers” and added that the administration, in consultation with governors from both parties, agreed to provide more frequent updates on refugees who are resettled in their states, as well as increased information on security precautions. The top receiving states this fiscal year has been California (53), Arizona (42), Pennsylvania (40), Kentucky (38), OH (37), Texas (35), Florida (31), and MI (30).

Some refugee advocates have argued that threats by governors to block Syrians from their states are hollow because the federal government holds exclusive legal authority over allowing refugees to enter the country. “States may not categorically deny ORR-funded benefits and services to Syrian refugees”, wrote Robert Carey, the office’s director.

A spokesman for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the nonprofit’s letter.

A copy of the letter sent to Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker was obtained by The Associated Press.

Texas has been incredibly generous. The State Department would reportedly give governors who ask for it basic information, like the age and gender, of refugees who’d come to their state the month prior.

“Texas has been incredibly generous”, said Lucy Carrigan, spokeswoman for the national International Rescue Committee, based in NY. The ad says Kirk opposes more Syrian refugees until they can be admitted safely.

Donna Duvin, executive director of committee’s Dallas chapter, said yes.

Almost 20 organizations in Texas work with state health officials to provide services to refugees.

The United States Senate should reject a bill that would place unnecessary and burdensome restrictions on resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees in the US, Human Rights Watch said today.