Alabama Governor Robert Bentley sued the Obama administration on Thursday over non-compliance of the Refugee Act of 1980.
The feds have not been communicating with the state regarding placement of refugees and Governor Bentley has had enough.
From the Alabama Governor’s website:
Governor Robert Bentley on Thursday announced the State of Alabama has filed a lawsuit against the federal government for non-compliance of the Refugee Act of 1980. This Act specifically requires the federal government to consult with the state regarding the placement of refugees before those refugees are placed within its borders. That consultation with Alabama has not occurred.
The lawsuit charges that the U.S government agencies named as defendants have failed to provide the State of Alabama with sufficient information about the refugees who have settled or will be settled in the state. The State of Alabama has been denied a meaningful role and input into the process of resettlement of those refugees.
On November 15, 2015, Governor Bentley announced the State of Alabama would not accept Syrian refugees through the federal government’s refugee resettlement program, citing security and safety concerns and glaring flaws in the refugee vetting process. Governor Bentley has since pressed the Obama Administration for information regarding the refugee resettlement program.
“On three separate occasions I have sent letters to the White House requesting information on the Refugee Reception Program in Alabama and these letters have gone unanswered,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “As Governor, the Alabama Constitution gives me the sovereign authority and solemn duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of all citizens of Alabama. The process and manner in which the Obama Administration and the federal government are executing the Refugee Reception Program is blatantly excluding the states.” Letter 1 | Letter 2 | Letter 3
The failure to provide this information has inhibited Alabama from being able to adequately plan for the arrival of any refugees in regards to such matters as security, requests for social services and public assistance. This action is in regard to consultation with respect to all refugees the federal government has settled or intends to settle in Alabama, not just those from Syria.
Governor Bentley released a series of tweets following the announcement of the lawsuit.
I've asked the Obama Adm. info for information on the Refugee Resettlement Program in AL w/ no response. That is one reason we filed suit.
— Gov. Robert Bentley (@GovernorBentley) January 7, 2016
We cannot have a federal program that impacts AL w/out our ability to access critical info on refugees. My priority is to protect the state.
— Gov. Robert Bentley (@GovernorBentley) January 7, 2016
It’s not about the Syrian refugees. It is about government failing to communicate with the states.
This issue isn't about Syrians or refugees. It is about the process the fed. gov't has failed to consult with states on resettling refugees.
— Gov. Robert Bentley (@GovernorBentley) January 7, 2016
By the way… This is happening all across the country today.
