|
Federal
Government Supplies Information on First Group of Syrian Refugees; Texas
Withdraws Request for TRO
State
continues to seek injunction to require federal government to consult with
Texas in advance
AUSTIN – Texas Attorney
General Ken Paxton today announced that, as a result of Texas's lawsuit, the
federal government provided additional requested information regarding the
first group of refugees set to arrive in Texas. Accordingly, the state has
withdrawn a request for a Temporary Restraining Order, but continues to seek an
injunction requiring the federal government to comply with its statutory duty
to consult with Texas in advance of resettling refugees.
"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,” said Attorney General Ken Paxton.
“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."
On Thursday, Texas filed
suit on behalf of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) against
the federal government, citing the Refugee Act of 1980. The federal government
had been directing the nonprofit entity tasked with placing the refugees in
Texas from disclosing even basic information that would help resolve Texas’s
security concerns.
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.
###
|
