State Capitol HIGHLIGHTS

Submitted by Canton1 on
By Ed Sterling TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION
Paxton amends approach State Capitol to resettlement of refugees
 
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Dec. 4 withdrew his request for a temporary restraining order to put a hold on the federal government’s plan to relocate Syrian refugee families in Texas.

Paxton, as the state’s chief law enforcement officer, initiated the court action on behalf of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the state agency potentially most involved with the resettlement process. In an explanation of his reasoning, Paxton cited the U.S. Refugee Act of 1980, a law requiring that the federal government consult with state authorities in advance of such relocations.

Paxton said, in effect, that his request for the restraining order prompted the federal government to provide information that he said would help resolve security concerns about the first group of refugees set to arrive in Texas. 

Still, however, Texas continues to seek a federal court injunction requiring the federal government to consult with state authorities before resettling refugees.

According to the state attorney general’s office, 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.

"Texas shouldn’t have to go to court to require Washington to comply with federal law regarding its duties to consult with Texas in advance,” Paxton commented. "Our state will continue legal proceedings to ensure we get the information necessary to adequately protect the safety of Texas residents. While we remain concerned about the federal government's overall refugee vetting process, we must ensure that Texas has the seat at the table that the Refugee Act requires.”

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