Texas Court Rules that State Cannot Block Federal Refugee Resettlement

By Manya-Jean Gitter

In the last two weeks, Texas has the joined the ranks of states enacting pro-refugee policies. On June 16, 2016, the United States District Court Northern District of Texas in Dallas validated the lawfulness of the refugee resettlement program in Texas.

For months, Governor Greg Abbott has fought to keep Syrian refugees outside of the state’s borders. Dallas-based U.S. District Judge David Godbey dismissed his lawsuit, ruling that Texas did not have the power to reject Syrian refugees.

While this news is a victory for state-level pro-refugee policies, it also illuminates the power of the federal government in determining the larger refugee resettlement program, proving that it is critical that we elect federal leaders who support pro-refugee policies.

Read more via NPR here.