Refugee resettlement is generally a federal matter done in cooperation with national and local nonprofit, often church-based, resettlement agencies.
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Traylor cites that provision in his letter, and warns, “We reserve the right to refuse to cooperate on any resettlement on any grounds and, until further notice, will refuse to cooperate with resettlement of any Syrian refugees in Texas”.
As Friday came and went, a few agencies that work with refugees in Texas balked at the directive, arguing that because resettlement is a federal responsibility, Gov. Abbott does not have the authority to make such a directive.
Authorities in Washington say resettlement programs are federally funded and involve volunteer and private organizations, meaning states can’t dictate policy.
If President Obama grants the governor’s request for federal aid, affected property owners in the disaster areas will be eligible to apply for individual assistance grants of up to $33,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
While questions of authority linger, the effects of the order already are being felt in Texas.
That decision will ultimately be made by the agency that contracted with federal officials to handle the Syrians’ resettlement, the global Rescue Committee.
When asked if he understood what the Governor was asking for McCraw said, “I’m quite certain what he’s asked us to do…and quite certain that we will be able to fulfill his requirement’s, but as for the how, why and when and where, we’re not going to discuss that publicly”.
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The group of about two-dozen said the United States can’t turn its back on people who they say are vulnerable. “But they will not be coming where they are not wanted”. She said her organization will put beds that had been donated for the family to use in storage. “Innocent families that were caught up in World War II”. And while the government could avoid conflict with the Republican governors who have opposed the plan by only placing refugees in those states, the post reports that it could set a unsafe precedent.
