Stand with refugees

URGENT: The government has halted all funding for recently arrived refugee families. Your support is needed now!

The browser you are using is not supported. Please consider using a modern browser.

Skip Navigation
Donate
Start of main content.

Press Release // Refugee Resettlement

Global Refuge Statement on Texas Decision to Opt Out of Refugee Resettlement

Global Refuge logo

Global Refuge Staff

January 10, 2020

In response to Governor Abbott’s decision to block refugee resettlement in Texas, Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Global Refuge issued the following statement:

This is a deeply disappointing decision – although not surprising given Texas’ previous but unsuccessful opposition to refugee resettlement a few years ago. This is precisely why we filed a lawsuit against President Trump's unlawful executive order, and we are confident that justice will be served — allowing children and families who have been waiting in desperation for years to be reunited with their family in Texas.

Nearly 2,500 refugees started to rebuild their lives in Texas last year, many of whom have additional family members in harm’s way seeking to join them in safety. These families have been torn apart by violence, war and persecution – but we never thought they would be needlessly separated by a U.S. state official.

The governor’s decision unfortunately disregards the desire of so many of the religious communities we’ve worked closely with in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth and beyond, to live out their faith. Needless to say, we are particularly disheartened by this egregious violation of our religious freedom.

Historically, Texas has served as a beacon of hope for refugees from across the globe, having resettled the highest number of any state. It is shameful that the state is once again trying to illegally reverse this legacy of welcome and compassion now.

We will continue to coordinate with our partners on the ground in Texas. There are simply too many lives hanging in the balance to give up now.

The Latest

  • Press Release · Refugee Resettlement

    January 27, 2025

    Global Refuge Condemns Federal Stop Work Order Halting Refugee Resettlement Assistance

    Global Refuge expresses deep concern and dismay over an unprecedented stop work order issued by the State Department, which halts all refugee reception and placement services under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

    Read More
  • News

    January 24, 2025

    What do the new immigration executive orders mean for refugees and immigrants?

    Here are key immigration executive orders and proclamations that directly impact immigration and how they will affect refugees and other immigrants.

    Read More
  • Press Release · Immigration and Asylum

    January 24, 2025

    Statement on new immigration restrictions and intensified enforcement operations

    Global Refuge expresses its profound concern following this week’s executive actions that halt asylum protections and aggressively intensify interior immigration enforcement.

    Read More
  • Press Release · Refugee Resettlement

    January 22, 2025

    All Refugee Flights Abruptly Halted Following New Executive Order

    Thousands of refugees who had been cleared for admission to the United States have had their travel cancelled immediately.

    Read More
  • Press Release · Refugee Resettlement

    January 20, 2025

    Global Refuge statement on suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program

    The White House today issued an executive order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, effectively halting the resettlement of tens of thousands of refugees seeking safety.

    Read More

Share