New York, NY, September 30, 2016 — Today, Texas withdrew from the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program. The International Rescue Committee released the following statement from Donna Duvin, Executive Director of US Programs in Dallas:
“Governor Abbott is taking a callous stance against the people of his own state. Texas has long been a state that warmly welcomes refugees, and the people of Texas have repeatedly shown their spirit of hospitality and welcome to these families who have lost everything and have now found a new home here. The International Rescue Committee has proudly witnessed the benefits refugees bring to Texas communities, and Governor Abbott’s actions will serve nothing but to foster fear among people who are fleeing danger.
“Governor Abbot persists with his fruitless, fear mongering strategy that is out of touch with global needs, and national realities, directly contradicting Texas values. Texans will show the governor that it remains welcoming to the resilient refugees who will continue come to the state irrespective of the governor's inhumane actions. There is no need to mess with what is already working and widely supported in Texas.”