New York, NY, December 2, 2015 — The International Rescue Committee welcomes Executive Commissioner Chris Traylor’s response and is heartened to hear that the State of Texas is in consultation with the U.S. Department of State to learn more about the security screening process for refugees. We hope that through this process the State of Texas will be persuaded that the refugee security vetting process is a secure one and that the State of Texas will come to recognize that Syrian refugees are the most security vetted group of people who come to the United States. They are also amongst the most vulnerable.
As proposed in an earlier communication with the Commissioner, we are fully committed to constructive conversations with Governor Abbott and the Executive Commissioner, and remain available to meet with the Governor and relevant State officials to discuss the IRC’s role in the refugee resettlement process.
The International Rescue Committee has a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of State and is bound by its terms with regard to the placement of refugees in the United States. We will continue to abide by the terms of our agreement and continue to resettle refugees, including Syrians, in Texas.
The State of Texas has a long standing tradition of providing sanctuary and welcome to some of the world’s most vulnerable refugees. IRC is grateful to be part of this history and we appreciate the opportunity to continue this dialogue with the State of Texas.
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The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. Learn more at www.rescue.org and follow the IRC on Twitter & Facebook.