The Texas Attorney General’s Office today filed a reply in the lawsuit over the refugee process, which is the first filing since an Iraqi refugee was arrested in Houston for materially supporting terrorists. The state’s lawsuit centers on ensuring Texas has the information necessary to protect its citizens in light of recent events.
“The recent arrest of an Iraqi refugee in Houston for attempting to provide material support to terrorists is exactly the type of security risk to our schools and our communities that we must prevent,” Attorney General Ken Paxton said. “Texas resettles, and welcomes with open arms, more refugees than any other state. But there is a significant difference between refugees and terrorists posing as refugees to infiltrate America and cause mass devastation. The safety and security of Texans must always come first.”
Texas takes in roughly 10 percent of the refugees resettled in the United States, partnering with local volunteer agencies to help refugees transition to the State and pay associated costs.