Evers to White House: Refugees welcome in Wisconsin
By Patrick Lynn
Gov. Tony Evers on Wednesday reaffirmed Wisconsin’s status on welcoming refugees.
In a letter to Sec. Michael Pompeo at the U.S. Department of State, Evers notified the federal government of Wisconsin’s intent to continue supporting refugee resettlement in the state. The announcement follows an Executive Order issued by President Trump in September, requiring states and localities to provide written consent for refugee resettlement.
“In Wisconsin, we believe in kindness, respect, empathy, and compassion—those are our Wisconsin values. Time and time again, I have watched Wisconsinites roll up their sleeves and help each other, rising to the call of our neighbors in their time of need,” Evers said in his letter. “As we face that call today, I am disappointed by the Trump Administration’s overly cumbersome and inappropriate process for those involved in resettlement, but the State of Wisconsin will continue to proudly welcome those seeking refuge into our communities and our state.”
In September, the White House issued the order on “Enhancing State and Local Involvement in Refugee Resettlement.” The order changes the nation’s Refugee Admissions Program regarding the placement of refugees, requiring both state and local governments to actively consent to receive refugees in order for refugees to resettle in local communities, and mandates that consent to refugee placement must be in writing.
Letters from local government must be in place for every locality that resettles refugees, and lack of consent or response will equate to negative consent.
“Our refugees are a critically important part of our families, our communities, and our culture—they are part of the fabric of our state,” Evers’ letter read in part. “Wisconsin’s refugee population is resilient and determined—they want to help themselves and their family, they want to continue working toward their dreams of living safely and freely, and they are eager to give back to the communities who welcome them.”
Evers’ letter can be read here in its entirety.