Jan 10, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Texas becomes first state to refuse refugees

Texas Governor Greg Abbott sitting down and talking to President Donald Trump

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks with President Trump. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said on Friday that the state will not accept any refugees this year, AP reports.

Why it matters: Abbott is the first governor to take President Trump up on his executive order allowing state and local governments to block refugee resettlements. Other Republican governors have publicly welcomed refugees. In 2019, Texas received more refugees than any other state.

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