releases: http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399260
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
This data as json
| url | title | date | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399260 | KGNS: Local group offering help for Syrian refugees | 2015-11-25 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | TX | Henry Cuellar | C001063 | cuellar.house.gov | legacy | LAREDO, TEXAS (KGNS) - Syrian refugees coming to Texas are not receiving a warm welcome. In light of the Paris terror attacks, refugees who show up at the border are being taken to detention centers, due to the perceived terror threat. And for those who do make it across, the state is asking community organizations to deny assistance. From the governor, "We will be working to ensure that Syrian refugees are not going to be allowed into the state of Texas", said Governor Greg Abbott. To state representatives. "My position is very simple. Before we let anybody else, let's enhance the vetting process. So, whoever comes in, we know exactly who they are", said Henry Cuellar. Lawmakers don't agree on whether to help Syrian refugees. Now the state health and human services office is asking organizations that help immigrants resettle to discontinue services to Syrians. But in Laredo, Syrian's refugees will still find an open door. "If anyone that comes here regardless of their nationality or their point of origin and asks for assistance, we will provide them assistance", said Mike Smith. Smith is the director at the Holding Institute. They helped immigrants during the 2014 Central American surge, now they are preparing to do the same. But this time, they face some opposition. "They assume that everyone is a terror suspect. My response is, we are preparing as we normally would for any group that comes", said Smith. Anyone in need who comes through their doors could receive a meal, clothes, products to help with hygiene and even comfort. The Holding Institute knows they don't count on state or even federal support. "We do not receive state dollars. We don't, we haven't' through this entire process. We've receive individual and local support and that has allowed us to stay out of the fray", said Smith. Though Syrian refugees have not walked through their doors, Smith says they'll find them open if they do. "Everybody will be treated the same, with the same amount of caution and the same amount of respect any individual that walks through these doors", said Smith. The Holding Institute didn't tackle the central immigration surge alone. Smith credits the cooperation from several churches including the diocese of Laredo, and the Bethany House shelter. Thirteen Syrian refugees who arrived at the border in Laredo last week were taken to detention centers. Authorities in Washington say resettlement programs are federally funded and involve volunteer and private organizations, meaning states can't dictate policy. Abbott, though, has pointed to specific language in federal law, arguing it gives states the authority to refuse Syrian refugees. http://www.kgns.tv/home/headlines/refugee-353909691.html?device=phone&c=y | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |