(HOUSTON, TX 1/13/20) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Houston Chapter, the nation’s largest Muslim advocacy and civil rights group condemns Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to turn away new refugees using the authority granted to state and local officials in Executive Order 13888 signed by President Trump on Sept. 26, 2019.
On Friday, January 10th, Governor Abbott announced that Texas would be the first state to refuse to receive new refugees starting on June 1st, 2020. 42 states have announced that they will continue to accept and resettle refugees.
SEE: Texas’s Largest Newspapers Blast Governor for Rejecting Refugees Under Trump Orderhttps://thehill.com/homenews/media/477914-one-of-texass-largest-newspapers-blasts-governor-for-choosing-to-reject
CAIR-Houston Executive Director, Lubabah Abdullah, states “We call on all Texans to contact Governor Abbott and express your concerns, disappointment and utter dismay. Governor Abbott’s decision to not resettle refugees in Texas goes directly against American values, human dignity and morality. Contrary to the negative rhetoric about refugees that has been promoted by this administration, refugees have been far from a burden to our nation. To deny the most vulnerable people that have suffered and gone great lengths to seek survival- which is within their human right- should alone be enough to undo this decision”
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUESTED:
- CONTACT GOVERNOR ABBOTT: call, (512) 463-2000.
- Sign the Petition: Tell Governor Abbott That Texas Welcomes Refugees https://www.votervoice.net/CAIR/campaigns/70263/respond
- Amplify on Social Media: @GovAbbott: I’m a Texan and I welcome refugees. Why are you preventing Texas communities from welcoming 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)
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos. ENDCONTACT : CAIR-Houston Development and Outreach Coordinator, Ambreen Hernandez, ahernandez@cair.com ; Executive Director Lubabah Abdullah, Esq. labdullah@cair.com , 713-838-2247
