States Welcome Afghan Refugees

LexisNexis State Net Capitol Journal, Sept. 10, 2021

"Thirty-five state governors from both parties say they will welcome Afghan refugees forced to flee their country because of the Taliban takeover.

“We’re a state of refuge,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) as he welcomed Afghan refugees to California.

Across the country, on her second day in office, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) issued a statement saying that “as the world watches the instability in Afghanistan unfold, New York is stepping up to once again serve as a beacon of hope and refuge,”

A powerful welcoming statement was tweeted by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) on the last day of the U.S. evacuation from Kabul of Americans and Afghans.

“Utah was settled by refugees fleeing religious persecution,” Cox said. “We understand the pain caused by forced migration and appreciate the contributions of refugees in our communities.”

Cox wrote a letter to President Joe Biden offering to “assist with the resettlement of individuals and families fleeing Afghanistan, especially those who valiantly helped U.S. troops, diplomats, journalists and other civilians over the past 20 years.”

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) said in a series of tweets that the Bay State is “ready to assist Afghan refugees...seeking safety and peace in America.”  [More here.]