Refugees in Texas

Governor says state’s resources are being stretched too thin

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott caused quite a stir last week when he announced the Lone Star State would not accept refugees for resettlement in 2020.

An executive order issued last year by President Donald Trump gives the governor the power to make that decision.

Abbott has been roundly criticized for the decision. Both the Houston Chronicle and the Dallas Morning News blasted him on their editorial pages for the new policy. We won’t be doing that here.

In explaining his decision, Abbott noted that Texas has already taken in more refugees than any other state in the past decade — about 10% of all refugees — which means the state has “carried more than its share in assisting the refugee resettlement process.”

Any state assistance the refugees are receiving will continue for those already here. And just because Texas won’t be resettling refugees this year, it’s not the same as a “ban” as some have suggested. Refugees who settle in other states will still be free to move to Texas if they wish.

Abbott notes the state’s resources are being stretched too thin.

“At this time, the state and nonprofit organizations have a responsibility to dedicate available resources to those who are already here, including refugees, migrants, and the homeless – all Texans,” he wrote.

Texas has been generous with refugee resettlement in the past. But there is a limit to what any one state can do. It’s time for the other 49 to take on their share of the responsibility.