Welcome the Stranger — Stand with Refugees in Texas

In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.
— Matthew 25:40

Donate to Help Refugees Now

Stand with refugeesCatholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is committed to helping families by serving the poor and vulnerable, including assisting government-approved refugees to become self-sufficient members of our community.

In September, President Trump signed an executive order that says states and municipalities must give written consent before refugees can be resettled. Catholic Charities is deeply disappointed about Governor Abbott’s decision that will refuse admission to Texas for new refugees.

Our faith calls on us to welcome the stranger — it’s the model on which this country was founded.

Refugees are granted legal admission to the United States after the most thorough vetting by federal security officials. They become self-sufficient, productive members of our community very quickly after entry. Our community is richer for it.

How You Can Help

ADVOCATE

Contact the Governor’s office and voice your opinions and concerns about his decision not to welcome refugees.

  • (800) 843-5789 – Information and Referral Hotline (for Texas callers)
  • (512) 463-1782 – Information and Referral and Opinion Hotline
    (for Austin, Texas and out-of-state callers)
  • (512) 463-2000 – Office of the Governor Main Switchboard
    (office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST)
  • Call 711 for Relay Texas – Citizen’s Assistance Telecommunications Device, if you are using a telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD)

You can also contact the elected official in your area and let them know you disagree with the Governor’s decision.
Search for your local representative here.

Sample language:
My name is [NAME HERE], and I am a Texas resident. I am calling to let Governor Abbott know my position on his decision to not participate in the program to receive and resettle new refugees. I am opposed to this decision, and I am asking you to reconsider. Our state has a long history of welcoming refugees who flee violence and persecution in their home countries to start a better life here in Texas. They are highly vetted by the government and make significant contributions to our communities to make them better.

Please do the right thing by reversing your decision, and welcome these refugee families who are fleeing harm’s way to make a new life here in Texas.

DONATE

You can help by making a gift to enable Catholic Charities to continue to assist refugees and their families to become self-sufficient members who contribute to our community. Your support helps newcomers approved by the federal government in securing housing, food, clothing and other necessities, accessing experienced social workers, gaining jobs, life and language skills, and otherwise assimilating into the nation’s fourth largest city.

Donate to Help Refugees Now

PRAY

Please pray for the safety of those individuals who remain in harm’s way.

We are very sad that we will not be able to welcome new arrivals in the foreseeable future. We are looking at the impact this will have on our refugee program and are committed to continue serving refugees who have already settled in our community.

Prayer for migrants and refugees

Resources and Information

Houston Refugee Consortium

The Alliance Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston Refugee Services of Texas YMCA of Greater Houston