January 15, 2020
The Honorable Greg Abbott Governor, State of Texas Room 2S.1 1100 Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78701
Dear Governor Abbott:
On Friday, you announced that Texas will be the first state to opt out of the federal refugee resettlement program. Are you kidding?
Today U.S. District Judge Peter Messitte issued a preliminary injunction blocking your order.
Governor, surely you realize business owners across Texas are suffering from workforce shortages. We need to welcome these legal immigrants. They have been fully vetted by the federal government. They are the best of the lot! With Texas’s booming economy and record low unemployment, we need more legal workers.
In 2015 alone, refugees in Texas had a combined spending power of $4.6 billion and paid a total of $1.6 billion in taxes.
You would be hard-pressed to find a business sector that does not believe immigrants are important to Texas’s economic engine.
As Co-founder of Texans for Sensible Immigration Policy, I am asking you to at least listen to what the leaders of Texas construction, manufacturing, restaurant, and hotel associations have to say about this topic. I would be thrilled if you would allow me to help coordinate a meeting.
I have always supported you, Governor, but I am genuinely confused about this decision.
My families’ memories of you hold a special place in our hearts. It is our prayer you will reconsider this issue and agree with Judge Messitte's ruling.
May God keep you healthy and may He continue to bless your leadership.
Sincerely,
Norman E. Adams, Co-founder
Texans for Sensible Immigration Policy
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