Three faith-based groups that resettle refugees want a federal judge to block President Donald Trump from requiring local government approval to keep taking people in, and a new lawsuit by the groups alleges that a recent executive order by Trump is illegal.
Court records say resettlement groups have to get approval from states and counties to keep placing refugees there. A lawsuit by three groups argues that requiring their consent defies the Refugee Act, and gives local officials a power that belongs with the federal government.
One group suing is Lutheran Refugee and Immigration Service, which offers services in Arizona. President and CEO Krish O’Mara Vignarajah spoke about Trump’s executive order during a press call.
“So the order is not just nonsensical. It’s cruel and shortsighted. Refugees that have been waiting to be reunited with their families for years may be forced to settle hundreds of miles away,” she said.
Gov. Doug Ducey’s office did not say whether it has decided if Arizona will continue to accept refugees.