State orders volunteer groups to stop helping Syrian refugees
AUSTIN — Texas has instructed volunteer organizations that settle international refugees to immediately stop helping Syrians in the wake of the deadly Paris attacks — even though it may not have the authority to do so.
The Health and Human Services Commission wrote Thursday to volunteer and community groups reminding them of a “statutory duty to cooperate and consult” with the state. The letters were released to the media on Friday.
“If you have any active plans to resettle Syrian refugees in Texas, please discontinue those plans immediately,” according to the letter, which was signed by Chris Turner, the agency’s executive commissioner.
It also asked that groups notify state authorities immediately if they learn that federal authorities are proposing resettlement in Texas using their services, adding “we reserve the right to refuse to cooperate with any resettlement on any grounds.”
Read more: http://lubbockonline.com/texas/2015-11-21/state-orders-volunteer-groups-stop-helping-syrian-refugees#comment-385975
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