Letter (attached) has been received by the Governor’s Office
Texas Border Business
Dear Governor Abbott:
Out of a sense of urgency, I respectfully write to you and join the Interfaith Community in asking you to reverse the recent decision to end refugee resettlement in Texas.
It is righteous and right to help our fellow brothers and sisters who are in need. The refugees who are already in the United States are desperately looking for a place to call home again. As you mentioned in your letter to Secretary Mike Pompeo, “Texas is one of the most welcoming states for refugees seeking to escape dangers abroad.” Truer words have not been said; this is a wonderful fact that we should be proud of.
As prior Governors have known, Texas is a great state for opportunity. Our Lone Star State has the great distinction of being a state where we welcome those who will strengthen our economies, and who will contribute to our beloved communities. In these trying times, compassion and understanding are needed more now than ever. Especially for those who have been forced to flee their homes in search of rebuilding a new one in a place as promising as our State. Â
We — as Texans, as elected officials, and as Catholic brothers — need to set the example for the nation and the world that we welcome refugees with open arms. Because they are seeking exactly that — refuge. We have to remember to have respect for life and human dignity; being consistent with these values speaks volumes about our character as Christians.
I sincerely implore you to reconsider and stand with the numerous organizations, such as the Texas Conference of Bishops, Catholic Charities, as well as local officials who do not want to see Texas close the doors of our great State to those seeking refuge. Countless of families, human beings, that have had to leave everything they hold dear to their heart behind are hoping that Texas can help them in their plight.
In closing, please consider the request from our Interfaith Community and those of us who are proud of our longstanding legacy of helping those in need.
Sincerely,
