URGENT: Take Action to Urge Governor Abbott to Reverse Cruel Decision to End Refugee Resettlement in Texas

On Friday, January 10th, Governor Abbott announced his decision to end refugee resettlement in Texas this fiscal year, a cruel and immoral decision that shocks the conscience and is an absolute abdication of Texan values to welcome the most vulnerable. As a leader in the U.S. resettlement program, Texas has a longstanding history of welcoming refugees and helping them reunify with their families and loved ones. This comes after the administration signed an executive order in September 2019 that permits states and localities to block resettlement in their communities. The Governor’s decision will lead to family separation for refugee families – and leave refugees, former refugees and United States citizens without supportive services. It is critical to call Governor Abbott TODAY and urge him to reverse his decision.

Call Governor Abbott at (512) 463-2000

Please leave a voicemail after the tone.

Sample Script: “I’m your constituent, and [as a person of faith], I am opposed to your decision to stop refugee resettlement in the state of Texas. This decision is devastating for refugee communities, especially families who are waiting to be reunited with loved ones through the resettlement program. It is also devastating to our congregations who will not be able to live out our faith calling of welcoming the stranger. A rejection of refugees is not what the state of Texas wants or needs – faith leaders, employers, and elected officials have noted that ending resettlement will devastate communities who rely on the workforce and contributions of new arrivals. My community in Texas welcomes refugees, and I urge you to reverse this crucial decision.”

Amplify on Social Media: Here are sample posts to share your message on social media!

• .@GovAbbott, I’m a Texan and I welcome refugees. Why are you stopping Texas communities from saying YES to refugees? #RefugeesWelcome (click to tweet: https://ctt.ac/4fgz3 )
• Texan communities, faith leaders, and businesspeople have all said YES to refugees. @GovAbbott please don’t stop us from welcoming the stranger. #RefugeesWelcomeTX (click to tweet: https://ctt.ac/27drf) Image link

For more information, please find CWS’s statement here.

Thank you for taking action, and please share this alert with your friends, family, and networks!