In September 2019 the trump administration began requiring states to submit written consent to the federal government to continue participating in refugee resettlement in FY 2020. On Friday, January 10th, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas will become the first state to stop participating in refugee resettlement. Currently Texas accepts the highest number of refugees, about 10% of the total nationally. It is a point of pride for many Texans to welcome so many refugees, because we are the Friendly State. 

Not participating in this program could have devastating effects going forward. Given that Texas shares a border with Mexico and is the second largest state, it will be difficult for refugees fleeing Central America to find safe haven. The economic impact to Texas, estimated at $4.6 billion in spending by refugees and $1.6 billion in collected taxes, could hurt the economy. And it sends a message that Texas isn’t a welcoming place to refugees or other immigrant groups, and that could have long term repercussions. 

So please sign this petition to let Governor Greg Abbott and the world know that Texans won’t stand for this. We are a welcoming state full of brilliant diversity and want to continue being the best state we can be going forward. We have 10 days for the governor to change his mind - the deadline to answer the federal government is January 21st. Please sign and stand with refugees!